Anxiety is a normal part of life. People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Anxiety disorders can involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that can reach a peak within minutes.
Feelings of anxiety and panic may interfere with daily activities. They are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.
Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety phobia, specific phobia, separation anxiety disorder, amongst many others. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. It is always wise to rule out any medications or medical treatment that could be causing or contributing to your anxiety. Lyme Disease can also wreak havoc on your anxiety.
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal problems
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
Psychotherapy involves working with a licensed therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on teaching specific skills to improve your symptoms and gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety.
CBT includes exposure therapy (ERP), in which you gradually encounter the object or situation that triggers your anxiety, so you build tolerance over time to be able to manage the situation and anxiety symptoms.
Oftentimes homework is necessary between sessions, in order to get the full effect of CBT and ERP.
Adapted from www.mayoclinic.org
