Understanding the Causes, Symptoms and Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

Understanding Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Nearly 40 million adults in the United States are affected by an anxiety disorder in any given year, making it the most common mental illness in the U.S.

While a little anxiety can help motivate you and keep you alert and attentive, too much anxiety can be debilitating. The good news is that there are many effective strategies and treatments that can help keep anxiety at bay.

What Causes Anxiety?

Researchers don't know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. There are several factors that may contribute, including:

• Genetics: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. You may be at increased risk if you have a family history of anxiety.
• Brain chemistry: Your brain chemistry may play a role in developing anxiety. For example, the brain chemical serotonin helps regulate mood. Having low levels of serotonin may contribute to anxiety.
• Environmental factors: Trauma and stressful events such as abuse, death of a loved one, divorce and job loss can trigger anxiety disorders. High stress levels may also contribute to anxiety.
• Drug and alcohol abuse: Chronic substance abuse can alter brain chemistry and increase anxiety risk. Withdrawal from some drugs may also trigger anxiety.
• Medical factors: Certain medical conditions and medications may produce symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, trembling and dizziness.

Common Causes and Triggers

In some cases, it may be possible to identify specific triggers or causes of anxiety. Recognizing your triggers can help you manage symptoms. Some common anxiety triggers include:

• Caffeine: Consuming high amounts of caffeine from coffee, energy drinks or tea can energize your nervous system and lead to jitteriness and anxious feelings.
• Medications: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may provoke anxiety, including cold medicines, thyroid medications, birth control pills, asthma inhalers and stimulants.
• Drug withdrawal: Quitting alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines can cause extreme anxiety while your body adjusts.
• Stress: Stress from work, school, relationships or finances can build up and manifest as anxiety. High-pressure environments can also contribute.
• Trauma: Living through traumatic events or abuse can have lasting emotional effects. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops after trauma.
• Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders and other conditions can cause anxiety symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in different ways for different people. Recognizing the signs may help you identify problematic anxiety and get treatment before it interferes too much with daily life. Physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Tension in the muscles
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Trembling or shaking
• Sweating
• Choking sensation
• Stomachaches or nausea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Avoidance of situations that cause anxiety

When to See a Doctor

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. But see your doctor if:

• You feel like your anxiety is difficult to control or gets in the way of normal activities
• You avoid going places or doing things because of anxiety
• You have troubling obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors
• Physical symptoms make it hard to function normally
• You use drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety

Seek emergency care if you have anxiety with chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or other severe symptoms.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

If you have persistent, excessive anxiety that interferes with daily activities, you may have one of several different anxiety disorders. Types include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about everyday activities that lasts six months or more.
• Social anxiety disorder: Extreme fear around social settings and interactions.
• Panic disorder: Recurring panic attacks that involve sudden terror along with physical symptoms.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): Intrusive obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Anxiety related to trauma such as violence, disasters or accidents.
• Phobia disorders: Persistent, excessive fear around objects, places, situations or animals.

Diagnosing Anxiety

To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor may:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Conduct a physical exam to check for medical causes
• Order lab tests to rule out other conditions
• Refer you to a mental health specialist for psychological evaluation and testing

Be prepared to talk about your symptoms, including how often they occur and how severe they are. Bring a list of any medications or supplements you take.

Treatment Options for Anxiety

Treatments for anxiety range from self-help strategies and lifestyle changes to therapy and medications. Options may include:

• Self-help: Stress management, exercise, meditation, sufficient sleep and limiting caffeine can help reduce anxiety.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy help change thought and behavior patterns.
• Medications: Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.
• Mind-body practices: Yoga, acupuncture and biofeedback may complement other anxiety treatments.
• Support groups: Groups for people with anxiety provide community support and education.

The most effective treatment plan usually combines several strategies tailored to your individual needs and anxiety disorder.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly reduce anxiety levels without needing medication or therapy. Things to try at home include:

• Get regular exercise to reduce stress hormones and boost mood.
• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness.
• Limit caffeine and added sugar, which can aggravate anxiety symptoms.
• Spend time outdoors and get plenty of natural sunlight each day.
• Get enough sleep since fatigue exacerbates anxious thoughts.
• Consider joining an anxiety support group to realize you're not alone.

When to Seek Professional Treatment

If self-help strategies aren't helping ease your anxiety, it's important to seek professional treatment. Anxiety often doesn't get better on its own. Treatment can improve symptoms dramatically, especially when started early. Consult your doctor for advice and referrals.

With comprehensive treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can manage their condition effectively and live full, rewarding lives. Seeking help takes courage but may be the most important step on your road to recovery from anxiety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.