Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent, excessive, and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and fear that significantly impair daily functioning.
Disease Facts
Category
YES
Related Disease
YES
Approved Medicines
trifluoperazine, doxepin, oxazepam, clorazepate, chlorpromazine
Essential Tests
YES
Summary
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions marked by excessive fear or worry. They occur when the brain's fear response becomes overactive, often due to stress or trauma. These disorders can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life, but they are not usually life-threatening.
Anxiety disorders can result from imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. Genetic factors, like family history, and environmental factors, such as trauma or stress, increase risk. Behavioral factors, like avoiding feared situations, also contribute. The exact cause is not fully understood.
Common symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms like increased heart rate and muscle tension are also common. Anxiety can lead to complications like depression, substance abuse, and heart disease, affecting daily functioning and quality of life.
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed through clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider. Key symptoms include excessive worry and restlessness. Questionnaires like the GAD-7, which assess symptom severity, are used. Diagnosis is based on symptom history and ruling out other medical conditions.
Preventing anxiety involves managing stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques. Treatment includes therapy and medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps change negative thought patterns, is effective. Medications like SSRIs, which adjust brain chemicals, improve mood. Both therapies reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Self-care includes regular exercise, which releases mood-boosting endorphins, and a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake helps manage symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, reduces stress. These actions support mental health and enhance professional treatments.