Anxiety disorders are very common today. Above all, for the scenarios to which we constantly expose ourselves. These feelings are sometimes a normal part of life. People with these kinds of problems are often full of fears, insecurities and worries. These processes generate constant episodes of terror or nerves, which when raised too high can cause panic attacks.
These types of disorders usually interfere with the daily activities of people who suffer from it. Also, they are difficult to control and their duration is usually for a long period of time.
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What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are natural human reactions, which often affect people’s bodies and minds. Getting away from these feelings is of utmost importance to exercise basic functions, related to the development of daily life. Therefore, it is an alarm that is activated when individuals perceive the presence of threats or dangers.
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When people are faced with these types of anxieties, they experience different physical sensations. In this sense, they begin to feel an acceleration of respiratory and cardiac pressure, muscle tension, excessive sweating, an upset stomach, among others. These feelings are part of the responses that the body sends, when trying to fight or flee from nervous episodes.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders
Among the symptoms and signs associated with anxiety disorders, the following are mentioned:
- Tension, agitation and nervousness.
- Feeling that they are in eminent danger due to some catastrophe or panic.
- Constant elevation of the heart rate.
- Accelerated breathing, product of hyperventilation.
- Tremors and excessive sweating.
- Constant weakness or tiredness.
- Concentration problems, since you do not think about anything other than the existing problem.
- Difficulty getting to sleep.
- Gastrointestinal conditions.
Types of disorders
Not all anxiety disorders of this type are alike. Therefore, we detail the most common below:
GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder
It is a long-lasting condition. A peculiarity of this disorder is that it does not focus on a particular situation, as is the case with phobias. The main symptoms of GAD are worries and fears that persist, but are not specific and are based on everyday issues.
Panic disorder
The person with this disorder suffers from intense fear and terror, the attacks are brief and are accompanied by tremors, dizziness. Also, confusion, vomiting, and shortness of breath are likely.
Panic disorder with agoraphobia
It refers to attacks that are witnessed in unexpected ways. The individual presents a feeling of panic, which is intensified by the fear of having another attack. A characteristic of this disorder is that the person avoids leaving his comfort zone to avoid an inescapable attack.
Phobic disorder
It is one of the most common. In fact, between 5 and 12% of the population could experience disorders of this type. It is characterized by excessive fear of a specific object, animal, person or situation.
It is also known as social phobia. Its main characteristic is chronic and intense fear, which occurs in avoidance behaviors, to avoid social interaction. The most common fear is being embarrassed, humiliated, judged in front of a group of people. This causes the individual to avoid relating and speaking in public. The person with this condition will manifest sweating, tachycardia, tremor and stuttering.
OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This type of disorder is related to the persistent obsession with images or acts that correspond to rituals. In fact, 3% of the population is at risk of suffering from this syndrome. The processes they experience are usually irrational, for wanting to complete a routine to end anxiety.
PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
It originates from an experience that has marked the individual in a transcendental way, that is, through trauma. It is characteristic of extreme situations, such as natural disasters, rapes, war, child abuse or major accidents. The individual with this condition is always on guard, remembering the devastating scenes.
Separation anxiety disorder
It usually happens in people who do not accept changes, whether in relationship, place or situation. It is generally associated with children, as it is difficult for them to give up attachment. For it to be diagnosed as such, it must be excessive or inappropriate.
Anxiety disorders in childhood
It occurs when children experience prolonged feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry. The little ones who encounter this disorder could be seriously affected with their learning, interaction, concentration and attention. They are characterized by fear, shyness and nervousness. This would make them prefer to avoid situations that cause fear.
When are anxiety disorders serious?
Worries probably won’t go away on their own. Also, that as the days go by, they get worse. In this sense, it is important determine how serious the situation is and, if necessary, seek professional help. Visit a doctor, dedicated to mental health. This is a tough decision, but you need to do it before it becomes more difficult to control. Therefore, we present some scenarios that will make you decide immediately.
- When there is the feeling that the worries are so serious that they interfere with the development of relationships. Also, at work and other aspects of life.
- Presence of excessive constant fear and nerves that generate discomfort.
- Depression that leads to the consumption of harmful substances, generating other mental health problems.
- Feeling of anxiety that is linked to physical problems, related to health.
- Presence of suicidal behaviors or bad thoughts, in this case, treatment should start immediately.
Causes
There are certain factors that are conducive to increasing the risks of suffering from these anxiety disorders.
Trauma
They are generated by some impact situation and have not been overcome. For example, when they are children and are mistreated or tortured by an adult in the family. As well as when they are older and face events that cause fear, generating involuntary attacks of anxiety.
Frustration
People who have a disease or a loved one has it, are prone to sink into depression. This is because a feeling of frustration is experienced, where he worries about the treatments and the future of the situation.
Stress
The accumulation of stress, however small the situation, also produces anxiety. In addition, it can be caused by the death of someone close, work stress or financial concerns.
Personality changes
Individuals suffering from personality changes are also prone to these problems. As well as, it is common to find patients who suffer from anxiety due to depressions or mental disorders.
Genetic factors
If there is already a history of anxiety in the family, it is likely to be repetitive, since it is hereditary.
Addiction
When there is an addiction and abstention from the consumption of psychotropic substances occurs, there is an immediate trigger for depressive attacks.