Appointment Helpline
Anxiety is a psychological and physiological response to stress or perceived threats. It is a universal experience. Everybody has had anxiety from time to time and in different situations. There are usually two components of anxiety. There’s the tray of anxiety, which is the background level of anxiety, which can vary from individual to individual. So some people are naturally very anxious about many things, the rather cautious people, and some people are much less anxious, much laid back. Anxiety only becomes a problem if it is much more severe or frequent than a patient is used to or tolerant to.
In other words, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder. According to WHO, as of 2019, there were 301 million individuals affected by panic anxiety disorder, which included 58 million children and adolescents.
Book an appointment with our expert doctors to get yourself checked
The symptoms of anxiety can be split into two major components, Physical and emotional symptoms. On the physical part, it can affect almost any part or any symptom of the body. The most common are:
Muscle tension
Increased heart rate
Trembling or shaking
Feeling difficulty in getting a breath or breathing very rapidly
Headache
A feeling of tension
With the emotional symptoms, there are always:
A feeling of impending doom
A feeling of loss of control
Excessive worry that you might do something inappropriate
Irritability
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Consult our top psychiatry hospital if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.
Anxiety disorders encompass a diverse range of conditions characterised by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. Each anxiety syndrome type has its distinct features and manifestations. Here are some common types of anxiety disorders:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Involves persistent and excessive worry regarding anything, affecting restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension and sleep disturbance.
Panic Disorder: Panic anxiety disorder involves sudden and overwhelming feelings of terror, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a fear of losing control.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Social avoidance, blushing, trembling, sweating, and nausea in social situations.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Compulsive rituals, intrusive thoughts, and a sense of urgency to perform certain behaviours.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Specific Phobias
Understanding the causes of anxiety takes a thorough examination of biological, environmental, genetic, and neurochemical factors.
Biological Factors: Disruptions in the balance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, can impact mood regulation and contribute to anxiety.
Environmental Factors: Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse, neglect, or instability, may increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life.
Genetics: Individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders may have a genetic predisposition to developing similar conditions. Specific genetic variations may increase susceptibility.
Brain Chemistry: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as cortisol (the stress hormone), can influence anxiety responses.
Anxiety is a symptom, it’s not a diagnosis in its own right, and anxiety can accompany a whole range of physical conditions, which can range from depression, phobic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and other psychological problems. The important thing is that it is recognised and categorised properly. Understanding the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation involves considering various factors, including anxiety disorder symptoms, history, and specific diagnostic tools, to accurately identify and address the nuances of anxiety disorders.
Clinical psychologists employ the following strategies to gather information:
Clinical Assessments
Structured Interviews
Self-Report Questionnaires
Behavioural observations
If the diagnostic process indicates the need for further investigation or if there is a suspicion of an underlying condition, the specialists then assess:
Neurological Functions
Medical History
Psychological Testing
Individuals experiencing persistent anxiety symptoms should seek professional evaluation and support to determine the most effective treatment strategies for their specific situation.
For the anxiety treatment, there are only two strands. One is a drug treatment and the other one is psychological treatment.
Psychotherapy (Counseling): From the psychological point of view of psychological treatment, the treatments are time-limited and work based on an open collaborative approach with the sufferer.
Medications: In terms of drug treatment, it is not used for phobic disorder, except for social phobia.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Lifestyle Changes (Regular Exercise, Healthy Diet)
Self-Help Strategies for Anxiety
Below are the practices one can incorporate in one daily life to manage anxiety:
Mindfulness and Meditation
Journaling
Establishing a Routine
Seeking Support from Friends and Family
Open communication in Relationships
Taking care of their Physical Health
If you encounter:
Persistent and Severe Symptoms
Impaired Daily Functioning
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
Diagnostic Tools for Anxiety
Please consult with an expert psychiatrist if you need anxiety treatment.
While home remedies and self-care practices can be beneficial in alleviating mild anxiety, it is crucial to emphasise the paramount importance of seeking professional help for persistent or severe symptoms. Encouraging open conversations about mental health fosters a supportive environment, reducing stigma, and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary guidance and interventions for their well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and timely support can lead to effective management and improved mental health outcomes.
Stress is a normal response to a challenging situation, whereas anxiety is a persistent, recurrent, excessive panic disorder syndrome that extends beyond typical stressors. Generalised anxiety disorder symptoms involve uncontrollable thoughts/worries that impact you physically and your daily normal activities.
Yes, Anxiety can be effectively managed and treated. Whether you’ve got mild anxiety or a very very severe disorder, and no matter whether you have had it for ten minutes or forty years, anxiety is a very treatable condition and you can improve with early and definite diagnosis and intervention of medical experts.
The trigger points in various stressors or circumstances that might contribute to the onset of extensive and different types of anxiety disorders. Common Triggers for Anxiety are:
Stressful Life Events
Trauma
Chronic Illness
Family History
Coping strategies include mindfulness, relaxation techniques, seeking support, and, when necessary, professional guidance to develop effective coping mechanisms.
