Young Adults and Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress.
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder.
Anxiety In Adults Types:
- panic disorder: experiencing recurring panic attacks at unexpected times. A person with panic disorder may live in fear of the next panic attack.
- phobia: excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity
- social anxiety disorder: extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations
- obsessive-compulsive disorder: recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific, repeated behaviour
- separation anxiety disorder: fear of being away from home or loved ones
- illness anxiety disorder: anxiety about your health (formerly called hypochondria)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): anxiety following a traumatic event
Anxiety In Adults Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. General symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:
Physical symptoms:
- Cold or sweaty hands.
- Dry mouth.
- Heart palpitations.
- Nausea.
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
- Muscle tension.
- Shortness of breath.
Mental symptoms:
- Feeling panic, fear and uneasiness.
- Nightmares.
- Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences.
- Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
Behavioural symptoms:
- Inability to be still and calm.
- Ritualistic behaviour, such as washing hands repeatedly.
- Trouble sleeping.
Anxiety In Adults Causes:
Some causes of anxiety disorders are:
- Genetics. Anxiety disorders can run in families.
- Brain chemistry. Some research suggests anxiety disorders may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions.
- Environmental stress. This refers to stressful events you have seen or lived through. Life events often linked to anxiety disorders include childhood abuse and neglect, a death of a loved one, or being attacked or seeing violence.
- Drug withdrawal or misuse. Certain drugs may be used to hide or decrease certain anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorder often goes hand in hand with alcohol and substance use.
Medical conditions. Some heart, lung, and thyroid conditions can cause symptoms similar to anxiety disorders or make anxiety symptoms worse. It’s important to get a full physical exam to rule out other medical conditions when talking to your doctor about anxiety.
How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?
Initial Assessment: Your healthcare provider will begin by discussing your medical history and conducting a physical examination to rule out any physical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
No Specific Tests: There are no specific lab tests or scans to diagnose anxiety disorders. However, some tests may be done to eliminate other potential causes of your symptoms.
Referral to Specialists: If no physical illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist who will use specialized interviews and assessment tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will consider factors such as the intensity and duration of your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and their observations of your behavior and attitude.
Diagnostic Manual: The healthcare provider consults the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a reference manual used to diagnose mental illnesses. It provides criteria and guidelines for identifying and classifying anxiety disorders.
How does medication treat anxiety disorders?
Medication can be helpful in treating anxiety disorders by reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning. Here’s an explanation in easy-to-understand language:
Medication doesn’t cure anxiety disorders, but it can help manage the symptoms. There are different types of medications that may be prescribed:
Anti-anxiety Medications: These medications, such as benzodiazepines, can decrease feelings of anxiety, panic, and worry. They work quickly, but over time, your body may develop a tolerance, making them less effective. These medications are often prescribed for short-term use or in specific situations. Sometimes, an antidepressant may be added to the treatment plan.
Antidepressants: Despite their name, antidepressants can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. They work by adjusting certain chemicals in the brain to improve mood and reduce stress. It’s important to note that antidepressants may take some time to start working, so patience is necessary. If you feel ready to stop taking them, always consult with your healthcare provider first.
Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers are primarily used to treat high blood pressure, but they can also help reduce certain physical symptoms of anxiety disorders. These medications can help alleviate rapid heartbeat, trembling, and shaking associated with anxiety.
When you’re prescribed medication, your healthcare provider will work with you to find the right combination and dosage. It’s crucial not to change the dose or stop taking medication without consulting your provider. They will monitor your progress and ensure that the medication is effective and not causing any negative side effects.
How does psychotherapy treat anxiety disorders?
Psychotherapy helps individuals with anxiety disorders by addressing their emotional responses and providing strategies to better understand and manage the condition. Different approaches are used:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is the most common type of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. CBT helps you recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. You work with a therapist to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to anxiety-provoking situations.
Exposure Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on confronting and gradually facing the fears or situations that trigger anxiety. By gradually exposing you to what you fear in a safe and controlled manner, your therapist helps you learn that your anxiety can decrease over time. This process can help you gain confidence and overcome avoidance behaviors.
Relaxation Techniques and Imagery: Therapists may also teach you relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, to help manage anxiety symptoms. Additionally, they might guide you through visualization or imagery exercises to create a sense of calmness and reduce anxiety.
The goal of psychotherapy is to equip you with effective coping skills, help you understand your anxiety triggers, and provide support as you work through challenging emotions. The therapy sessions provide a safe and confidential space for you to express your thoughts and feelings.
Anxiety In Adults Treatment:
Treatments will consist of a combination of psychotherapy, behavioural therapy, and medication.
Self-treatment
In some cases, a person can treat an anxiety disorder at home without clinical supervision. However, this may not be effective for severe or long-term anxiety disorders.
Counselling
A standard way of treating anxiety is psychological counselling. This can include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or a combination of therapies.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can help people with anxiety disorders. To be effective, psychotherapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties and tailored to his or her needs.
Medication
Medication does not cure anxiety disorders but can help relieve symptoms. Several types of medications are used to help relieve symptoms, depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have and whether you also have other mental or physical health issues.
Stress Management Techniques
Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy.
Lifestyle and home remedies
While most people with anxiety disorders need psychotherapy or medications to get anxiety under control, lifestyle changes also can make a difference.
Risk Factors:
- History of mental health disorder. Having another mental health disorder, like depression, raises your risk for anxiety disorder.
- Childhood sexual abuse. Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect during childhood is linked to anxiety disorders later in life.
- Trauma. Living through a traumatic event increases the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause panic attacks.
- Negative life events. Stressful or negative life events, like losing a parent in early childhood, increase your risk for anxiety disorder.
- Severe illness or chronic health condition. Constant worry about your health or the health of a loved one, or caring for someone who is sick, can cause you to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
- Substance abuse. The use of alcohol and illegal drugs makes you more likely to get an anxiety disorder. Some people also use these substances to hide or ease anxiety symptoms.
- Being shy as a child. Shyness and withdrawal from unfamiliar people and places during childhood is linked to social anxiety in teens and adults.
- Low self-esteem. Negative perceptions about yourself may lead to social anxiety disorder.
Can anxiety disorders be prevented?
While anxiety disorders cannot be entirely prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and manage symptoms:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and avoiding substance abuse.
- Learn and practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and engaging in relaxing activities.
- Strive for a balanced work-life routine to avoid excessive stress and burnout.
- Cultivate supportive relationships with family, friends, or support groups.
- Develop healthy coping skills such as problem-solving and positive self-talk.
- Seek early intervention if you notice persistent anxiety symptoms or have a family history of anxiety disorders.
- Educate yourself about anxiety disorders to better understand and address your concerns.
Conclusion
while anxiety disorders cannot be completely prevented, there are proactive measures you can take to reduce the risk and manage symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing stress management techniques, fostering supportive relationships, developing coping skills, seeking early intervention, and educating yourself about anxiety disorders can all contribute to better mental well-being. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and treatment options if you experience persistent anxiety symptoms. By taking steps to prioritize your mental health, you can work towards managing anxiety and living a fulfilling life.
Yes, it is common for individuals with anxiety disorders to have co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders.
The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual and the severity of the anxiety disorder. It can range from a few weeks to several months or longer.
Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle can complement treatment for anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and avoiding substances like alcohol and caffeine can have a positive impact on managing anxiety.
Yes, with proper treatment and support, individuals with anxiety disorders can lead fulfilling lives. It may involve a combination of therapy, medication, self-care strategies, and a strong support system.
Yes, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare provider if you believe you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder. They can provide a proper diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and offer support throughout the process.
