Anxiety is a natural feeling, especially in response to stress, but it can quickly become overwhelming when excessive and prolonged. For many people who experience anxiety, it can create avoidances and fears that cause significant changes in daily routines and experiences. However, with the advancements in modern medicine and technology, individuals with anxiety disorder now have access to efficient treatments and support. Psychiatric telehealth services such as those provided CopeWell Psychiatry & Wellness are playing a crucial role in helping people manage their anxiety effectively. Learn more, and if you think our telehealth services may be right for you, schedule an appointment today.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that is very common, affecting 40 million adults in the U.S. It is characterized constant and uncontrollable feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to concentrate, sleep, and maintain relationships.
Types of Anxiety Disorders:
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry about everyday
things. - Panic Disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks, often accompanied fear of future attacks.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations or being judged others.
- Specific Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations.
- Agoraphobia: Intense fear and avoidance of situations or places that might cause panic
and feelings of being trapped. Helpless, or embarrassed. - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and
repetitive behaviors (compulsions). - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a
traumatic event. - Substance-induced anxiety disorder: characterized a direct result of use, abuse, or
withdrawal from a substance such as medications, drugs, alcohol, or exposure to toxins. - Anxiety Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition: Occurs when physical symptoms
of a medical illness trigger or worsen anxiety.
Possible Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety disorder presents with both psychological and physical symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Psychologically, individuals may experience persistent worry, excessive fear, and a sense of impending doom, often accompanied difficulty concentrating and irritability. Physically, anxiety can manifest through symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms often intertwine, creating a cycle where psychological stress exacerbates physical discomfort, further intensifying the overall feeling of anxiety and affecting overall well-being.
Symptoms of anxiety often mirror the body’s fight-flight-or freeze response. The fight-flight-or-freeze response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to perceived threats or stressors. The most significant issue with anxiety triggering this response system is that it often arises from irrational fears or perceptions of danger that does not exist. In these cases, the body’s intense reaction such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness is activated despite the absence of an actual threat.
Commonly, individuals with anxiety often experience a combination of psychological and
physical responses. The severity and presentation of anxiety symptoms can vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, its duration, and the individual's focus of attention. For instance, some symptoms that appear to be caused anxiety such as chest pains and shortness of breath, are also common in conditions like panic attacks, making diagnosis challenging
Common anxiety symptoms include:
- Excessive worry or fear
- Chest Tightness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling Overwhelmed
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lingering sense of dread
- Trouble falling asleep
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches or tension
Treatment Interventions
An evaluation completed a healthcare provider is fundamental to check for any physical conditions that could explain symptoms and is usually the first step toward diagnosis and treatment. Proper treatment is essential for anxiety—not only to keep symptoms from possibly worsening but also to ensure that taking care of your mental health remains a top priority. Anxiety disorders are typically treated with psychotherapy and medication:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavioral therapy are two of the most used interventions for treating anxiety. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches people different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations to help you feel less anxious and fearful.
Within CBT, exposure therapy is used as a specific treatment modality with anxiety disorders. Exposure therapy gradually exposes individuals to the situations or stimuli that trigger their anxiety. The goal is to expose individuals little little to anxiety in a controlled setting, allowing the individual to learn that their anxieties are often irrational or manageable.
Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring is another therapeutic intervention for anxiety linked to CBT. Cognitive restructuring involves modifying distorted or unhelpful thought patterns. The process helps individuals become aware of irrational or distorted thinking patterns and confront them directly. When an individual no longer trusts the irrational fears, the anxiety subsides and/or disappears.
Pharmacological Treatment
Medication in conjunction with therapy interventions is also a beneficial treatment. Medications managed a psychiatric mental health professional can help to reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms. The most common classes of medications used to treat anxiety disorders are anti-anxiety medications (such as benzodiazepines, buspirone) and antidepressants.
Benzodiazepines are sedatives that help calm the mind and body. Diazepam and Lorazepam are two examples of benzodiazepines. They are fast-acting and effective for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms. However, due to the risk of dependence and tolerance, these medications are usually prescribed for brief periods and often in conjunction with other therapies.
Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication and is specifically used to treat anxiety. Buspirone or
commonly called Buspar, is utilized to help regulate mood. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone is not a sedative and has a lower risk of dependence or abuse. Buspirone takes a few weeks to establish in the body before effectiveness is realized.
Antidepressants are used to treat depression, but they can also be helpful for treating symptoms of anxiety. They work increasing levels of serotonin and sometimes norepinephrine in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Antidepressants are prescribed for anxiety at lower doses before increasing for more effectiveness. Antidepressants can also take several weeks to establish in the body before effectiveness is observed.
Conclusion
Anxiety affects a majority of individuals at least once in their lifetime. There are several anxiety disorders that are diagnosable within the DSM 5. These disorders present both psychological and physical symptoms that can disrupt emotional, social, and physical well-being. Effective management often involves a combination of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Addressing anxiety through these methods can help individuals regain control, improve their quality of life, and reduce the debilitating effects of anxiety disorders. Early intervention and a tailored treatment plan are crucial for achieving the best outcomes and supporting overall mental health.
Schedule An Appointment
If you believe you could be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, contact a healthcare provider or mental health professional. Medication and psychotherapy together can help with symptom management and treating mental health conditions. Whether through online consultations, medication management, holistic support, it is crucial for individuals experiencing anxiety symptoms to seek the necessary help and find a treatment plan that works best for them. Schedule an appointment today.
Sources:
Anxiety (apa.org)
DSM-5 Changes: Anxiety Disorders & Phobias (psychcentral.com)
National Institute of Mental Health