Anxiety disorders are often misdiagnosed. There are several examples of common anxiety disorders, which include general anxiety disorder, panic disorder (anxiety), specific phobias or separation anxiety disorder among others. You could possibly have more than one anxiety illness.
Anxiety is a set of feelings of fear, apprehension or worry that can negatively affect your life. It is often characterized by feelings like you are going to die, or have an impending doom. It is also accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, dizziness, heart palpitations or tingling and chest pains. Anxiety is something that we all experience from time to time and it is something that most of us do not experience to a severe degree, usually only presenting itself occasionally.
Anxiety disorders present many different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety include the constant fear of danger or pain, nausea or upset stomach, trembling, fatigue, headaches and chest pains. Anxiety is often considered to be an intense or chronic state of fear, although some people confuse it with panic. Panic is defined as an extreme emotional state of anxiety usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations or numbness and the sudden feeling of danger or injury.
While there are no definitive research studies that support the theory that anxiety is a medical condition, anxiety is often treated in much the same way as any other illness. In most cases, treating an illness begins with lifestyle changes and alternative treatments. Anti-anxiety medications are often prescribed for these conditions. These medications provide temporary relief for those who experience anxiety on a regular basis, but should be avoided in situations where they may cause you to be unable to safely drive. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any anti-anxiety medications.
Because depression is a common mental health problem and can be associated with greater anxiety symptoms, those with depression may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts and behavior. Anxiety often interferes with treatment attempts for depression because it tends to make the depression worse. Therefore, if you are experiencing anxiety and depression and have previously attempted suicide or self-harm, you should immediately contact your physician to rule out any serious underlying physical health problem.
Social phobias are another group of frequent anxiety disorders. Phobias refer to repeated and intense fear of social situations. Common social phobias include social anxiety, fear of speaking publicly or of being embarrassed, and public speaking phobias. People with social phobias often feel that they are painfully aware of their anxiety or that they are afraid to be in social situations. It is important to seek help from your doctor if you are concerned that you may have a social phobia.
Many people with anxiety disorders also experience symptoms of depression. Physicians often use various treatments to treat both conditions simultaneously. In some cases, doctors may choose to change medications in order to provide more effective treatments for depression. Some patients may experience the combination of depression and anxiety as a milder form of manic depression.
When considering the use of antidepressants in treating anxiety disorders, patients should be aware of the potential side effects that may occur. As an example, although anti-depressants like Prozac, Paxil and Celexa are known to be highly effective treatments, these medications do have their drawbacks. Patients who take these medications to treat depression may experience symptoms of other psychological problems or excessive stress. For example, those who take antidepressants to treat anxiety may experience insomnia, weight gain, loss of sexual urges and changes in sleeping patterns. Other side effects may include dry mouth, constipation and dizziness. Because these drugs are used to treat depression, patients must remember to consult their doctors and receive their recommended dosage.