Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and is a protective mechanism for the body. It is the most common presentation of mental illness in people globally, affecting up to 30% individuals across their entire life span. But chronic anxiety can interfere your body and quality of life. It can have serious consequences on your physical health.
Anxiety comes in many forms
Anxiety is a normal part of life and it affects majority of people at some point in their lives. For example, you may have felt anxiety before addressing a group or in a job interview.
In short, anxiety increases your breathing and heart rate, concentrating blood flow to your brain, where you need it. Stressful life experiences may increase your risk for an anxiety disorder, too. Symptoms may begin immediately or years later. Having a serious medical condition or a substance use disorder can also lead to an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety comes in many forms, including:
- Panic Attacks
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Agoraphobia
- Separation Anxiety
- Health Anxiety
- Social Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
To know more: Types of Anxiety Disorders & Treatments
What effect does anxiety have on your body?
A chronic or persistent state of anxiety can have a devastating effect on your physical and mental health.
Physical signs of anxiety include:
- headaches
- insomnia and other sleep disorders
- stomach pain, nausea and digestive problems
- rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- sweating
- racing heart or palpitations
- shaking or trembling
- muscle tension, aches or pains
If you’re having a panic attack, you may find below feelings:
- fear of dying
- fear of choking
- chest pain
- numbness or tingling sensations in various parts of the body
- feeling of chills or overheating
When to see a psychiatrist?
It’s a good idea to see a psychiatrist or mental health doctor if your symptoms are affecting your mental health or making daily life difficult. Health conditions that cause the same symptoms can be ruled out by the primary care provider. Anxiety and other mental health disorders may be diagnosed by a mental health professional.
To reach a proper diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, a mental health professional will ask you about all of your symptoms, both physical and emotional. They’ll also want to know how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms and whether they’ve gotten worse or were brought on by a particular incident.
Treatment for anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorder treatment is determined by the nature and severity of the symptoms. Based on diagnosis, mental health expert shall suggest therapies and medication for your condition.
While there is no cure for anxiety, treatment, which mostly consists of a combination of therapy and medication, may be very effective in alleviating symptoms.
Do not delay an appointment with psychiatrist because gradually anxiety and depression can get worst if left untreated. Looking for consulting anxiety doctor in Ahmedabad, contact Parth Hospital (Psychiatry).
