Anxiety Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes & Treatments

 Do you know what nighttime anxiety is? Understanding the subject is important, considering that it is a condition that can affect many people. This disorder can cause a series of symptoms and damage to health, such as uncontrolled thoughts and fears, frequent worries, apnea, and insomnia, among others, influencing the ability to carry out daily tasks.

With this in mind, we created this content to explain what anxiety is, symptoms, causes, types, treatments, how to deal with this type of situation, and other information on the subject. Check-out!

What Is Anxiety and What Are Its Causes?

Anxiety is a normal human feeling that arises as a natural concern through everyday challenges. Feeling a little anxious when facing possible problems at work, before an appointment or an important test is completely normal.

However, if even in everyday situations the level of anxiety gets out of control, there are clear signs of progression to a pathological condition: anxiety disorders. These disorders require urgent treatment to contain the symptoms and thus reverse the situation.

Otherwise, the person is exposed to an emotional imbalance that reaches greater proportions and results in serious psychological complications. In these circumstances, the functional stability of the organism is compromised and makes the person very fragile mentally and physically.

In general, these manifestations are accompanied by purely psychological signs and symptoms. The most obvious are phobia, panic, nervous disorders, and a lot of stress. Due to the lack of control of feelings, this condition can last for many days and nights.

Clinically, this pathological anxiety is classified as an emotional disorder, as it occurs for no apparent reason. With this in mind, the search for measures that reduce impacts is essential for treatment success.

Therefore, to better understand the topic, we highlight some criteria that determine the causes of anxiety. Check out!

Genetic Influences

When there are cases of excessive anxiety in close family members, the chances of incidence of the disease increase considerably. Changes occur in the part of the brain — known as the limbic system — that releases substances responsible for controlling emotions and mood changes.

Gender Issues

Many diseases are directly related to gender: some are more common in women, while others exclusively affect men. Due to hormonal reasons, women are more susceptible to emotional difficulties. Therefore, even though it also affects men, the issue of gender is a positive factor in the emergence of anxiety.

Childhood Trauma

Anxiety disorders can also arise as a result of bad experiences in the past. These situations — which give rise to anxiety disorders — can occur at any stage of life, as anxiety affects people of all ages, genders, or social classes.

However, children who are victims of violence, sexual abuse, bullying (acts of physical or psychological violence), or some type of trauma are more at risk of becoming anxious.

Anxiety is a very serious problem and can affect even those who have only witnessed traumatic events in childhood. For these individuals, the risks are much greater. In other words, at some point in their lives, they may develop generalized anxiety disorder.

Stress

Stress is a normal sensation that keeps the body active and able to carry out functional activities. At controlled levels, stress is a necessary condition for survival. However, care must be taken not to allow emotional imbalance to generate an excessive amount of worry and develop into anxiety attacks.

Insomnia

Getting a good night's rest is essential for a person to have a productive day. Furthermore, a rested mind better copes with daily stress. One of the causes of anxiety is difficulty falling asleep and maintaining a good quality sleep sequence. Many hormones linked to well-being and a feeling of tranquility are produced during sleep.

Therefore, the fewer hours of sleep, the more anxious, sad, and distressed the person will be the next day. More than that, insomnia brings up negative memories or excessive worries. Personal, emotional, financial, and similar problems are triggers for anxiety peaks.

Excess of Information

Currently, the large amount of information that bombards the mind is also harmful. However, the blame cannot be attributed to the Internet or the innovations enabled by smartphones or similar devices. The main point of emphasis is the lack of control over impulses awakened by technology.

With this in mind, it is important to reflect on the influence of these issues, as well as the behavioral habits that were created from them. This excess of information generates constant worries and accentuates the factors that contribute to pathological anxiety.

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

As we explained, it is normal to have anxiety in specific everyday situations that naturally cause tension. However, anxiety disorder is different from that. To better understand, it is important to know the symptoms of this problem, which vary from person to person. See the main ones.

Constant Fear

Conflicting situations occur every day and at any time. However, they don't affect everyone all the time. Therefore, it is neither healthy nor rational to live in constant fear. Feeling this way is one of the main.

The intensity and trigger of anxiety vary greatly. Some people may be constantly afraid of losing their jobs, others of dying or losing someone in the family, for example.

Problems with Sleep

Anxiety disorder also tends to cause difficulty sleeping, as thoughts are difficult to switch off. It is possible to repeat them in your mind for days and hours, which prevents relaxation and, consequently, sleep.

This can occur due to everyday problems, such as concerns about demands to be delivered the next day, or due to more serious issues, such as having a sick family member. Furthermore, even if the person sleeps, it is common for them to experience a feeling of tiredness, nightmares, light sleep, and muscle tension when waking up.

Difficulty Socializing

As we mentioned, one of the types of anxiety is social anxiety. In this case, just the idea that you will have to interact with many people at the same time, especially strangers, is enough to cause psychological or physical discomfort.

They consist of excessive sweating, nausea, and even diarrhea. For this reason, it is common for people to prefer to avoid interactions whenever there is a social event.

Extreme Fatigue

It is natural for people to feel tired at some point, which can be more or less intense depending on the activities that each person performs. However, when this situation arises excessively and to the point of making it difficult to carry out tasks, it may be a symptom of anxiety.

The main explanation for this is that negative thoughts about what should be done throughout the day can have consequences. It generates a feeling of overload and mental exhaustion. That is, the mind does not know where to start the demands and prefers to postpone the fulfillment of all of them.

One of the main consequences of this problem is the onset of depression. This is because there is a feeling that problems are not resolved, and the individual is trapped in a vicious circle.

Stress

Stress is characterized by emotional pressure in the face of adverse situations, especially those over which the individual has no control. Therefore, it is natural for stress to manifest itself in moments of anxiety, which intensifies psychological and even physical discomfort, such as headache, muscle tension, and fatigue. Likewise, stressful conflicts can serve as a trigger for anxiety.

Perfectionism

A perfectionist person tends to have very high standards of goals and objectives. When they do not reach the established level, they generally experience a strong feeling of anxiety, which can generate chronic dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is necessary to seek help to alleviate the problem.

Muscle Tension

As mentioned, anxiety often causes physical problems. This is because the mind deals with many tensions and conflicting thoughts, which can overwhelm the individual. Therefore, it is common for muscle tension to appear, especially in the shoulders, back, and neck.

Nail Biting Habit

One of the main reasons someone bites their nails is anxiety, but it can also have to do with stress and high adrenaline levels. In any case, it is a harmful habit, as the nail is responsible for protecting the skin. Mania can also bring germs and bacteria into the body, which makes the body more susceptible to infections.

Digestive Problems

Another physical symptom of anxiety is digestive problems. This is why stomachaches are so common in moments of tension, such as before presenting work in public. The explanation for this reaction is that the brain has a strong connection with the intestine.

Therefore, anxiety can cause abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, and poor digestion. Depending on the intensity of this condition, other possible problems are ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Unregulated Appetite

There is a strong relationship between anxiety and binge eating, in which people overeat even though they are already full. The biggest concern occurs if there is little chewing of the food and ingestion in a short time.

On the other hand, some people lose their appetite in times of anxiety. This is because the concern is high enough to make them forget the need to eat.

Constant Restlessness

People in moments of anxiety tend to become very restless and have difficulty concentrating. Thus, it becomes more difficult to complete thoughts and tasks. Problems like these tend to be uncomfortable for those around them, due to the atmosphere of unrest that forms.

Obsessive Thoughts

Anxiety is often characterized by difficulty controlling obsessive thoughts that, normally, are not good for the person. They can be episodes of conflicting situations that have occurred or not.

In any case, this behavior may be also associated with other mental health problems. These include depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic syndrome, and dysthymia.

Irrational Fears

Another symptom of anxiety is excessive fear and for irrational reasons, which may include fear of being alone, fear of making mistakes, fear of failure, etc. All of this contributes to creating imaginary scenarios in the mind that generate anguish to a degree that makes social relationships and fulfilling responsibilities, such as work, difficult.

Anxiety Symptoms in Children

Anxiety doesn't just affect adults; it can also be a serious problem in children. Symptoms of anxiety in children may include:

• Excessive or irrational fears

• Constant and excessive worries

• Refusal to go to school or separate from parents

• Irritability and outbursts of anger

• Concentration difficulties

• Physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches

• Sleep disorders

If you notice these symptoms in a child, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Untreated anxiety can seriously affect a child's healthy development.

Remember that anxiety symptoms can be managed and treated with the right approach. With patience, understanding, and adequate support, it is possible to overcome this challenge and enjoy a more peaceful and satisfying life.

Environmental and Risk Factors in Anxiety Disorder

The environmental and risk factors for an anxiety disorder are multiple and vary according to each case. However, some common characteristics can be found in different situations in the development of this disorder. Are they:

• Disorganized environments

• Relational conflicts

• Exposure to stress

• Exposure to psychological and physical violence

• Traumatic events

Social vulnerabilities

Such variations are characteristics present in many crisis triggers, among other episodes. However, it is important to emphasize the difference between an anxiety disorder and anxious symptoms, inherent to human existence.

The Difference Between Anxiety and Fear

Both fear and anxiety are common feelings, part of a natural reaction that a person needs to live with and this is fundamental. Both act as a warning signal from your body and mind when faced with something different. 

However, these feelings can exceed the normal level and start to disrupt a person's daily life and functioning. In cases like this, fear can turn into a phobia and anxiety into an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety and fear differ mainly in terms of their origins. Fear usually arises when faced with specific situations or objects. For example, fear of heights or spiders. 

Anxiety is also a feeling of response to situations, but it is more linked to a feeling of tension and anticipation of the future.

What Is the Difference Between Generalized Anxiety and Healthy Anxiety?

It is important not to confuse generalized anxiety with healthy anxiety, considering that each has its characteristics and differences. Healthy anxiety is that which appears through a desire or feeling of fear, while generalized anxiety is linked to a feeling of terror.

Unlike anxiety considered normal, pathological anxiety causes harm to the person, to the execution of their day-to-day activities, to performance at work, and to choices, among other aspects. Thus, it causes a feeling of impotence in the face of these scenarios, which greatly hinders the fight against the causes that generate anxiety.

It is important to emphasize that anxiety disorders are conditions that can affect both children and adults, being understood as generalized and persistent, not linked to environmental circumstances. This means it is floating. In the case of healthy anxiety, it is possible to control it, and the individual who feels it can understand what is happening at the moment.

What Is an Anxiety Attack?

An anxiety attack or anxiety crisis is a mental state where our body presents symptoms such as a feeling of anguish, nervousness, tachycardia, and even a feeling of lack of control over a given situation.

For example, in an anxiety attack, it is common to feel your heart racing, your breathing becomes labored, and there is the feeling that something horrible is about to happen. Other symptoms are:

• Feeling faint or dizzy

• Shortness of breath

• Dry mouth

• Cold sweat

• Chills

• Excessive worry

• Restlessness

• Anguish

• Fear

tingling (especially in the arms and neck).

It is very common for the symptoms of an anxiety attack to be confused with other problems, such as a panic attack or even a heart attack, leading people to seek help and be admitted to the hospital. 

In these cases, after performing an electrocardiogram and not noticing any changes related to the heart attack, the doctor determines that the suffering is the result of an anxiety attack.

It is worth noting that not everyone who has suffered an anxiety attack has panic disorder. The test to make this diagnosis (in which the doctor will give the ICD) involves a series of questions to assess the circumstances, frequency, and symptoms during the crisis.

Why Is Anxiety Worse at Night?

If you are someone who struggles with an anxiety disorder, you may find that your symptoms worsen considerably at night. Not surprisingly, insomnia and other sleep problems are powerful indicators that a person may have developed GAD.

According to experts, the feeling of worsening anxiety perceived at the end of the day is related to this being, in general, the moment when our head stops busy with everyday activities. When we lie in bed or, even before, we finish the day's activities, we stop worrying about immediate issues — and this opens up space for anxiety to manifest itself.

The less stimuli we have, the more opportunities the anxious mind finds to worry. However, the least recommended way to avoid these problems is to keep your brain busy, as the effects may be contrary to those desired.

To be able to relax and sleep, it is recommended that people “prepare” their brains for the moment of rest. This means less screen time and more relaxing activities, like reading. In some cases, the psychiatrist may also recommend medications that help with sleep.

What Are The 9 Types of Anxiety? 

There are many mental disorders related to anxiety, we call them diagnoses. 

A diagnosis is characterized by a set of specific symptoms that present in an individual for a significant time and in various contexts of the person's life. 

These diagnoses are recognized worldwide.

Below are some of the diagnoses related to anxiety:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Panic disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Agoraphobia

• Social phobia

• Separation anxiety disorder

• Substance use-induced anxiety disorder

• Selective Mutism

Continue reading this text to identify which sets of anxiety symptoms belong to each anxiety disorder and understand the difference between each of them.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a type of intense, excessive, and persistent anxiety. 

In GAD, the condition of anxiety is permanent, significantly interfering with the sufferer's quality of life.

The main symptoms of GAD are:

• Excessive worry and fear

• Agitation

• Difficulty concentrating

• Muscle fatigue and tiredness

• Irritability

• Sweating

• Frequent urination

• Insomnia or excessive sleeping

• Tremors and spasms

• Frequent scares.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is also a type of anxiety that is characterized by compulsive behaviors resulting from thoughts and obsessions.

OCD causes obsessions responsible for unpleasant thoughts, images, or impulses that cause great discomfort in the individual. 

In this way, the person with the disorder finds in the compulsive behavior of physical or mental actions a way to alleviate or reduce this discomfort. 

In addition to these symptoms, OCD sufferers also create a series of rituals to mitigate obsession and compulsion.

It is very common to associate the acronym OCD with a slight obsession with cleaning or organization, but the disorder is much more than that and causes intense suffering to the individual. 

OCD can manifest itself in different ways, ranging from a mania for cleaning, with excessive hand washing, to repetitive and intrusive thoughts. 

Social Phobia

Social Phobia makes the individual unable to interact socially, causing great nervousness and irrational fear in situations involving public events, group activities, and get-togethers, among others. 

The irrational fear of this type of anxiety involves different social contexts, some of which are:

• Fear of speaking in public

• Fear of answering the phone

• Fear of unknown or prominent people

• Fear of being in the spotlight

• Fear of experiencing embarrassment.

Because of this, people suffering from Social Phobia avoid these types of interactions as much as possible. 

In addition to these symptoms, this disorder also presents physical symptoms, such as:

• Sweating

• Irritability

• Tremors

• Stomach pain

• Flushing of the face

• Tachycardia

• Dizziness

• Panting. 

Panic Syndrome

Panic Syndrome is characterized by the sudden emergence of a form of acute anxiety, causing intense and inexplicable fear – which even causes physical symptoms. 

Panic attacks usually last a short period, rarely lasting more than 30 minutes. 

However, during this period, the individual experiences an acute feeling of despair that makes them unable to carry out any activity. 

The main symptoms of Panic Syndrome are:

• Dizziness

• Sweating

• Vertigo

• Chills

• Tachycardia

• Palpitations

• Tremors

• Difficulty breathing

• Trembling

• Tingling

• chest pain

• The feeling of suffocation

• Among others.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that is manifested by the feeling of fear and dread that the individual experiences when being in open places, usually with a large concentration of people.

The person may be overcome by a great fear of losing control, of being the victim of some terrible event in which they will have no support, or of being ridiculed, especially if they are alone.

The symptoms are similar to those of other anxiety attacks, and this disorder can trigger panic attacks. Furthermore, social isolation occurs and the consequent impoverishment of social bonds.

The diagnosis is clinical and follows the DSM V criteria, differing from other anxiety disorders mainly due to the context and medical history.

Treatment is multifactorial, the main factors being psychotherapy, the support network, and, in more serious cases, the use of psychiatric medication.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress anxiety is a type of anxiety caused by a traumatic event.

This condition can last for months or even years and can manifest itself when people encounter triggers that make them relive the event. 

Some causes of post-traumatic stress anxiety are:

• Assaults

• Kidnappings

• Illnesses

• Sexual or physical violence

• Car Accident

• Natural disasters

• Wars

• Among others.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder occurs more frequently in children under 12 years of age.

It is important to emphasize that the disorder is characterized by fear and anxiety in the face of separation and/or loss of attachment figures for the child. Furthermore, it is important to say that in some cases the disorder can persist into adulthood, triggering dysfunctions in daily life activities. For example:

• Fear of living alone

• Fear of being alone in social interaction situations

• Discomfort in carrying out tasks alone

• The great fear of change

This disorder often develops after significant episodes of stress, which may be due to a loss, relationship breakdown, or family conflicts, among others.

In these cases, it is essential to think about welcoming these children and providing psychotherapeutic support, to address issues related to the loss experienced.

Substance Use-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Substance use-induced anxiety disorder occurs after the use of legal and/or illicit substances, which may be:

• Alcohol

• Medicines

• Cocaine

• Heroin

• LSD

• Caffeine in concentrated doses

• Among others

In the treatment of subjects affected by anxiety triggered by the use of substances, joint work by a team made up of health professionals who seek treatment for the patient is essential, not only given their physical state due to the use of substances but also the understanding of the vulnerabilities that make up the scenario of the use of these drugs.

Selective Mutism

A rare somewhat disorder associated with anxiety is selective mutism. Selective mutism occurs when people are unable to speak in specific social situations despite having normal language skills.

Selective mutism usually occurs before the age of 5 and is often associated with extreme shyness, fear of social embarrassment, compulsive traits, withdrawal, clingy behavior, and tantrums. People diagnosed with selective mutism are often also diagnosed with other anxiety disorders.

What Are the Complications?

When anxiety is not treated, various health complications can occur, or even trigger other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or gastric problems.

Some of the complications that can arise because of anxiety are:

• Nervous gastritis: Anxiety can cause changes in the gastric balance of the stomach, causing pain and discomfort or other digestive problems.

• Hypertension: Anxiety attacks cause excessive production of adrenaline, which leads to an increase in heart rate.

• Memory difficulties: Due to excess production of cortisol and adrenaline.

• High muscle tension: Anxiety can cause intense muscle contraction, leading to muscle pain.

• Depression: Anxiety attacks can affect people's quality of life, which leads to the development of depressive states.

• Sleep disorders: Attacks can lead to insomnia or other sleep disorders.

• Social difficulties: More severe anxiety attacks often lead to social isolation.

When Is Anxiety Worrying?

To identify whether anxiety is a mental disorder, simply analyze the impact that anxiety has on your life, through symptoms, for example. When tension and worry occur due to something specific and as soon as everything ends, everything goes back to the way it was before, it is something natural.

The problem exists when anxiety is constant:

• The person cannot relax
• Feel afraid all the time
• Is constantly worried
• Feel your heart racing even when the phone rings
• Believe that something bad will happen at any moment

You feel like you have lost control of the situation or your own life.

Anxiety disorder hinders performance in studies and work. It also makes it difficult to even be distracted and laugh. Furthermore, it is an incessant fear that the person cannot explain why they are feeling. This individual cannot control thoughts, which keep repeating that something is wrong, over and over again.

There are psychology health and well-being websites that offer anxiety tests. They are usually organized into questions and answers. They help to have a basis for identifying a possible pathological anxiety condition.

However, these tests are just a superficial opinion, not a diagnosis. The idea is to talk to a psychologist to find out whether or not you have anxiety.

Anxiety and Eating Compulsion

Binge eating is considered an eating disorder and can be understood as the habit of eating uncontrollably with or without feeling hungry. 

Several factors can trigger binge eating, and this is related to anxiety, it is important to observe emotional triggers such as guilt, frustration, low self-esteem, and other unresolved personal issues, as it can generate suffering and physical and mental damage.

The relationship between anxiety and binge eating lies in the way people view food, that is, they are seen as a way of minimizing suffering or compensating for what happened. The act of eating is associated with the feeling of pleasure.

When a person is anxious in anticipation of an event in their life, be it a test, a trip, etc., they can relieve the tension and nervousness they are feeling through food.

One of the ways to control anxiety about binge eating is through dietary re-education and readjustment of habits.

Below are some practices that can help you in this process:

• Adequacy of foods with the correct caloric value

• Determining correct and coordinated meal times

• Compliance with the dietary plan stipulated by the health professional

• Promoting emotional health and combating excessive stress

• Carrying out regular physical activity and practices that promote mental relaxation

• Maintain adequate planning to sleep at the right time and improve sleep hygiene 

Anxiety And ADHD

It is common for anxious people to be seen by others as inattentive people, as they often focus their attention on worrying thoughts, which can be confused with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), a learning disorder.

However, the opposite can also occur, with a person diagnosed with ADHD having symptoms of anxiety when carrying out their activities and identifying some difficulty.

Both diagnoses have a lot in common. They impair the ability to concentrate, leading to forgetfulness, and strong mental and even physical agitation, but for very different causes.

As you can see, the symptoms can be confusing, but there are some caveats.

When we talk about ADHD, we are referring to a neurobiological disorder, of genetic origin, which impairs the patient's ability to plan, concentrate, memory, among other functions.

Anxiety is characterized by fear and constant worries about things that may occur in the future, generally disproportionate.

Anxiety along with ADHD can worsen some of the symptoms described above.

6 Interesting Facts About Anxiety That You Need to Know!

1. Anxiety Is Not the Same as Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is nothing more than a sensation we feel about something that we create expectations and fears about. This feeling is completely natural for humans, but only when presented in a controlled way, without exaggeration.

Anxiety disorder is when this feeling is expressed broadly and constantly, taking part of our lives and negatively remaining in our thoughts.

In extreme cases of acute anxiety, it is possible that the excess feeling may even make it impossible for the individual to work. So, get serious. Anxiety is inherent to human life, but its excess rots the mind, making it impossible to function healthily.

2. Women Are Most Affected

Whether in underdeveloped or developed countries, the female population suffers most from anxiety disorders. This type of disorder is twice as common in women than in men.

The truth is that, due to issues such as machismo and its consequences such as rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and many other threats, women tend to be more afraid throughout their lives. This is one of the explanations for the high rate of anxiety-related disorders in women.

3. Anxiety Impairs Sleep

At least half of people with an anxiety disorder suffer from sleep problems. The nervousness and tension due to the expectation of something is so great that they cannot fall asleep.

Depending on the level of anxiety, sleepless nights become increasingly frequent and it becomes almost impossible to rest completely. When you lie down, thousands of thoughts come to your head and everything you feel, what you need to do, and what people expect from you comes to the surface. Just rest your head on the pillow.

4. Some Anxious People Can Develop Phobias

Phobias are irrational fears regarding some situation or object. These fears are not always conscious in a person's life and it is possible that they only manifest themselves when there is the presence of an aversive stimulus, that is, contact with what reproduces fear in the individual.

An example of a phobia is the fear of fish, you may like the beach but under no circumstances go into the sea. Just the possibility of a fish coming close to you paralyzes you. The probability of a fish on the beach doing you any harm is minimal, but if you can't overcome that thought, the fear is greater.

As the anxious person's mind works without ceasing, fear feeds on fears that are impossible to happen. This type of phobia manifests itself when we realize that we are unable to accomplish something due to a phobia of something. Just the possibility brings panic.

5. Drug Abuse and Dependence Increase the Risk Of Anxiety 

A study carried out by the Cambridge Health Alliance – Harvard Medical School observed that a large number of people who suffer from an anxiety disorder and do not know how to deal with it have tried to cure or alleviate their symptoms through the consumption of alcohol and drugs.

According to a published article, what people who use these substances do is increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders and increase their symptoms. No matter how much symptom relief occurs, chemical dependency brings them back.

6. Stressful Events Can Cause Pregnancy Anxiety

Pregnancy can be a source of great joy and anticipation. However, it is a period full of physiological, psychological, hormonal, and social changes. Given this, many women can develop anxiety during pregnancy.

The probability of a woman facing this condition is related to stressful events, social disadvantage, previous history of mental illness or abortion, fetal death, and premature birth. Pregnancy needs to be a healthy time for the pregnant woman, otherwise, anxiety disorders may arise during this period.

In these cases, it is important to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to help diagnose and treat the disorder, especially because the use of medication may be restricted due to the possibility of harming the fetus.

How Is Anxiety Diagnosed?

As we said at the beginning of this guide, anxiety disorder differs from normal and common anxiety, perceived in situations that already tend to cause tension. Therefore, specialized professionals need to carry out the diagnosis.

To do so, a certain amount of assessment time is required, which is also important to identify the severity of the situation and the type of anxiety. For reasons like these, it is recommended that you seek help from an early age and not wait for the condition to worsen before starting treatment. This delay can make resolution difficult.

Is Anxiety Treatable?

Yes, it has. In addition to psychotherapy, medications are sometimes necessary. However, everything varies according to each case. In any case, the first step is always to seek professional help.

Furthermore, some habits can be recommended as treatments:

• Avoid multitasking

• Do not ruminate on problems excessively and pay more attention to the good side of things

• Do not self-medicate

• Reduce time on your cell phone and avoid using it at night

• Insert more fun into your routine

• Carry out natural aromatherapy treatment, with home sprays or essential oil, for example.

Treatment Options 

If no other medical conditions are found, the individual may be referred to a psychiatrist psychologist, or mental health professional who is especially skilled in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses such as Generalized Anxiety. Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Medicines

Drugs are available to treat Generalized Anxiety and may be especially helpful for people whose anxiety interferes with daily functioning. Thus, the medications most used to treat GAD in the short term (since they can be addictive, are sedating, and can interfere with memory and attention) are from a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

These medications are sometimes also referred to as sedative-hypnotics or “minor tranquilizers” because they can remove intense feelings of acute anxiety. However, they work by decreasing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension and agitation. Common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Librium, Valium, and Ativan.

These medications can exaggerate the effects of sedation when combined with other medications and are also dangerous if mixed with alcohol. Likewise, some antidepressants such as Paxil, Effexor, Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, and Cymbalta are also used to treat GAD for long periods.

Likewise, these antidepressants may take a few weeks to start working, but they are safer and more appropriate for the long-term treatment of Generalized Anxiety.

Psychotherapy

It is one of the highly recommended processes for people suffering from anxiety disorders. During psychotherapy, the individual learns to recognize and change the thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxious feelings. Therapy helps limit distorted thinking and analyze concerns more realistically.

Additionally, relaxation techniques, deep breathing, meditation yoga can help control the muscle tension that often accompanies GAD. The practice of physical exercises and mindfulness techniques can be great allies of Psychotherapy and medication intervention.  

If you recognize any of the signs or symptoms described in this article, see a psychologist or doctor you trust. Schedule an appointment and start taking care of your emotional health!

Are There Ways to Prevent Generalized Anxiety?

There is no set rule for preventing generalized anxiety disorder. But the good news is the possibility of having a healthier life, which will help keep anxiety away from your routine.

Anxiety is a condition that affects almost everyone at a certain stage of life. Therefore, it is important to prevent the causes and triggers that can cause crises to appear. Therefore, several practices have been highlighted as interesting means and with satisfactory results when seeking to reverse this worrying situation.

Controlling Generalized Anxiety

As mentioned, some measures can be adopted that provide very positive responses to prevent, and reduce the triggering of anxiety, and minimize its impacts in the best possible way. See below what the main ones are!

Practice Physical Exercises

Performing physical exercise stimulates the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that acts in the brain and thus helps regulate sleep, mood, heart rate, appetite, sensitivity, body temperature, movements, pain, and intellectual functions. Therefore, it is known as the substance responsible for providing a feeling of pleasure and well-being.

So, if the patient is not yet a fan of any type of activity or sport, perhaps this is the time to try something new. There are several options available, such as running, outdoor walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, football, bodybuilding, and team sports, among others.

The important thing is to get out of a sedentary lifestyle, reduce the level of stress, and relax your mind. With this wide range of opportunities, just identify which one suits you best. In this case, a clinical analysis and medical recommendation on the activities that can be carried out according to each person's condition is also important.

Control Your Breathing

Breathing properly helps a lot in controlling your mind and body. For this reason, try to set aside time during the day to breathe slowly, only through your nose.

In this case, exercises lasting just a few minutes are enough to provide greater balance and tranquility. When practicing this, the ideal is to breathe slowly and deeply, observing the movement that the diaphragm makes. To help with this process, you can lie down in bed, keep the lights off, and place your hands on your abdomen.

Another relevant tip is to count while breathing, as this helps to develop a rhythm. It is also possible to inhale, mentally counting to four, and exhale at the same time, always using your nostrils.

Smile More

A smile has incredible potential to relieve stress. Therefore, in cases of anxiety, even the most forced smile is capable of significantly reducing bad sensations and making the person happier. This happens because laughter relaxes the mind and body, in addition to strengthening organic defenses, improving blood pressure, and circulation, and releasing endorphins, which can provide a feeling of complete well-being.

Consume Foods with Tryptophan

Nutrients rich in tryptophan are excellent ways to improve mood and generate a feeling of well-being, as they contribute to the constitution of serotonin. It is a substance present in the brain that simplifies communication between neurons, which leads to mood regulation, the sensation of sleep, and hunger.

As an example of foods rich in tryptophan, we can point to proteins (fish, meat, eggs, milk, and their derivatives), peanuts, peas, cashews, avocados, bananas, potatoes, and almonds, among others.

Have A Good Night's Sleep

When an individual exercises, they automatically expend energy. In this case, natural tiredness appears, which contributes to a better night's sleep, which is essential for effective performance throughout the day. When you lie down to sleep, it is also important to change some habits, such as turning off the television or taking your cell phone out of reach.

Invest in The Mindfulness Technique

It is a meditative practice that has become increasingly used as a type of complementary treatment in diagnosing mental disorders. Through it, the person learns to have full attention, through a technique that is different from other meditation methods, as it helps the individual to focus on present actions, without becoming attached to the past or worrying excessively about the future.

When feeling fear, anguish, sadness, anxiety, and anger, among others, it is possible to become aware of the physical sensations that develop, instead of feeding negative thoughts. When the patient manages to calm their body, they consequently calm their feelings.

Avoid Negative Thoughts

Another point is to try to modify your internal speech, learning to pay more attention to your thoughts. This will avoid the emergence of incoherent mentalizations in the future.

You need to be careful with sentences that start with “what if…”. Cut negative ideas altogether and, whenever this type of thought appears, you need to do everything you can to avoid it, thinking about good, pleasant things that bring pleasure.

Drink Teas

Several plants have medicinal effects. So, the habit of drinking tea can have very beneficial effects on emotional health. Among the most used for anxiety are chamomile, passionflower, lavender, lemon balm, and rosemary.

Relieve Everyday Stress

It is necessary to avoid stress as much as possible. In this situation, it is possible to rely on alternatives such as acupuncture, which is an oriental therapy, that works by stimulating points throughout the body, to help with this process. 

Have More Organization

Lack of organization interferes with brain function and leads to stress. In this way, being organized simplifies the mind's actions, taking into account that it allows it to have greater predictability in carrying out tasks.

Furthermore, the extra energy consumed by disorganization generates greater brain wear, leading to tiredness and impaired mental functioning, as well as other losses. To do this, it is important to start organizing yourself, little by little, regarding your home, workplace, and thoughts.

One tip is to separate things that you will no longer use. Throw away whatever is necessary, make donations, and just be sure to experience the satisfaction of making everything around you more organized.

Carry Out Activities That Give Pleasure

Doing something you enjoy generates pleasure and frees individuals from tension. So, they are excellent practices for overcoming anxiety and other unpleasant sensations. Having a hobby should be as essential as eating and sleeping.

In this case, you need to allow yourself to discover new things that promote happiness — playing an instrument, reading, dancing, going out with family and friends, doing physical activities, gardening, and more. The important thing is to awaken good feelings, increase self-esteem, and improve mood.

Promote Self-Knowledge

Self-knowledge is a great partner in combating generalized anxiety. In times of crisis, the most sensible action is to try to break the mental patterns that create limitations in solving problems and identify good solutions that help to get out of moments of pressure. In this case, psychotherapy can help a lot, as it is a powerful tool for the patient to gain self-knowledge.

Create Good Moments with People You Love

Having quality time with family, friends and other loved ones is also necessary in this process. You need to leave your cell phone and social media aside to fully enjoy this moment of pleasure, in which the substances oxytocin and serotonin are generated, which cause well-being, and happiness and, at the same time, improve self-esteem. They are relevant when trying to prevent anxiety attacks.

Now that you understand the main points related to generalized anxiety disorder, you can see that it is a serious condition, that affects many people, with symptoms that can greatly impact their daily lives and the actions they take. However, it is important to emphasize that there are very efficient treatments.

At the slightest sign, the ideal is to seek help from qualified professionals. The faster the diagnosis, the better the effectiveness of the therapies adopted. It is essential to adopt good habits and customs as a way to prevent this problem. Furthermore, individuals must not be afraid to ask for help from people close to them, considering that having someone who loves them can contribute to encouragement, making this process easier.

A Life Well Lived Is A Life with Controlled Anxiety

An anxious person will not necessarily develop depression or another similar pathology. However, this disorder can indeed be the gateway to future worsening. 

And even if it weren't, who doesn't want to lead a more peaceful and happy life, would you agree? 

Anxiety can affect anyone. In other words, it doesn't matter your age, the context in which you live, or what your triggers are. Regardless of all this, you deserve to live well.

However, the first step towards this is recognizing that there is a problem. If you identify with the symptoms listed here, then do not hesitate to seek treatment. 

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