Anxiety Disorders: Overview
It’s the middle of the night in your bedroom. You have just woken up, frozen with this fear—your chest heavy as a mountain, and your breath feels shallow. An invincible force radiates through every fiber of your body consuming you until nothing else exists but anxiety. At some point, we’ve all experienced at least a taste of that impending sense of dread and deep worry. While feelings of anxiety are a normal response to stress or danger, you might be have an anxiety disorder when these feelings become overwhelming and interfere with daily tasks. Understanding the different types of anxiety disorders-their causes, symptoms, and risk factors can help us make sense of this cripplingly common collection of mental health disorders.
What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a broad term that encompasses a range of mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of excessive fear, worry apprehension often interfering with daily activities and relationships. Millions of people from around the world suffer from anxiety disorders making it one of the most prevalent mental health issues we face today. According to American Psychiatric Association, 30% of adults suffer an anxiety disorder at some point. Having an anxiety disorder feels like living in a never-ending cycle of fear and worry. Anxiety disorders may involve different symptoms, triggers, and treatments but share a common feature of an overwhelming sense of unease and distress.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may be categorized into behavioural, physical and emotional.
Physical Symptoms of a Person Living with an Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders have many physical symptoms that maybe misconstrued as other medical conditions. Some of the physical symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Muscle tension
- Shortness of breath
- Racing heartbeat without any physical activity to spark it.
- Nausea
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Restlessness (inability to keep calm)
- Dizziness
- Feeling on edge
- Trembling or shaking
- Breathing faster than normal (hyperventilation)
- Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort
- Feeling weak or tired
Physical symptoms of anxiety are as a result of the body’s natural fight or flight response produced by our autonomic nervous system activated by perceived threats that the mind creates. The body’s response is an essential survival mechanism. It prepares to confront or avoid potential danger all together. This system is triggered when someone is anxious or under stress, causing these physical symptoms. Recognizing and understanding the physical manifestations of anxiety is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as early detection and intervention can lead to a better prognosis and a more manageable condition for those affected.
Thoughts of an Individual with an Anxiety Disorder
The thoughts are grounded in a profound sense of unease. Let us dive into the thoughts of a person with an anxiety disorder.
Constant cognitive distortions: Cognitive distortions are internal mental biases or irrational thoughts that cause one to perceive things more negatively than they really are. I definitely struggle with this sometimes. If a friend cancels an appointment, my mind starts wandering all over the place- “maybe they don’t want to be friends anymore” when in actual fact something really important came up. While its true we might experience cognitive distortions as earlier alluded, cognitive distortions tend to be more frequent and intense for a person with an anxiety disorder. The constant cognitive distortion (irrational thinking) leads to overgeneralization of negative experiences and catastrophizing (obsessing about worst-case scenarios). In other words, overgeneralizing and catastrophizing become the mind’s default setting.
Rumination:Sometimes, when we experience an awkward or embarrassing situation, our mind can fixate on that, replaying it over and over dissecting it from every angle. When you are experiencing this, you are ruminating. Rumination involves the repetitive and obsessive focus on negative thoughts, eventually leading to their amplification and persistence. The person thinks about a negative event repeatedly, unable to let go. Research suggests that individuals with anxiety disorders tend to have a higher overall frequency of negative thoughts than those without such conditions. It’s like their brain gets stuck in these unhelpful rumination cycles unable to let go. Its like they are trapped in their own head with intrusive and overwhelming negative thinking patterns.
Racing thoughts: Patients endure a constant flow of thoughts and find it difficult to quiet their minds. The thoughts just keep coming and coming. The anxious mind gets trapped in a constant flood of worries and worst-case scenarios. These thoughts can occur spontaneously popping out from nowhere or in response to specific triggers and are often difficult to control or redirect.
- Having trouble concentrating even on the simplest of tasks
- Confusion
Behavioral symptoms
Avoidance behavior: Individuals have a tendency to withdraw from others and avoid social interactions altogether. They avoid or hide from anything that might make their anxiety feel worse leading them to avoid invitations, phone calls, skip event-essentially withdrawing from life. In the moment, it may seem the only way to find relief is to avoid those anxiety triggers. Unfortunately, prolonged withdrawal from people can exacerbate anxiety and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), these disorders take various forms, as described below:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive and persistent worry and fear about daily activities, including ones we perceive as normal and routine. The fear is disproportionate to the actual situation. The individual recognizes the worry is excessive yet find it difficult to control. This dread is accompanied by such physical symptoms as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, sleeping problems, fatigue, and feeling on edge. The condition takes a real toll. The person feels restless yet exhausted. Distracted yet unable to focus and sleep becomes elusive as the mind races.
Panic Disorder
Sudden and recurring panic attacks characterize panic disorder. In itself, a panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of anxiety and fear that reaches a peak within minutes and is accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, chest pain or tightness, feeling dizzy, light-headed, feeling of choking or lump in the throat. Additional symptoms include numbness, chills or hot flashes, nausea or stomach discomfort, feeling detached, fear of losing control, fear of dying, shortness of breath, trembling or tingling rapid heartbeat, feeling of impending doom.
When the panic attack subsides, the person will be left shaken. The dread lingers, frequently worrying about when the next one will strike. Individuals may make significant behavioral changes to avoid places or situations that trigger the panic. Your world starts to shrink as the panic disorder chips away at your freedom.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia is marked by excessive fear, anxiety, and self-consciousness arising from social interactions in which an individual may be observed, judged, or evaluated by others. In order to manage their anxiety, individuals may seek to avoid social interactions altogether or endure them with great distress.
It is normal to feel nervous or shy in some situations. Going on a date, making a presentation, giving a speech, or walking into a room full of people may seem effortless for some. Others may be a little uncomfortable but able to pull through for the most part. However, if one suffers from social anxiety disorder, social interactions cause excessive anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment due to fear of being viewed or judged negatively by others.
Specific phobias
We all have things that make us uncomfortable, or apprehensive but specific phobia is different. It is an excessive, persistent, and irrational fear of a specific situation, activity, or object that generally poses little or no actual danger at all.
They understand and acknowledge that their fear of a particular object or situation is unjustified, but unable to shake it off; even the thought of that situation or object can provoke extreme fear.
A person with this condition does their best to avoid the feared object which negatively impacts his or her life. Maybe its spiders, snakes, enclosed spaces or heights. Whatever the phobia is, it significantly limits the person’s freedom and keeps them from enjoying life to the fullest.
Agoraphobia
The condition is characterized by an intense fear of situations or places where escape may be challenging or assistance unavailable in case things go wrong. People with agoraphobia often fear and avoid situations and places that may trigger panic-like symptoms or trigger a sense of being trapped, helpless or embarrassed. Situations that may provoke anxiety include being in open or closed spaces, public transportation, being in a crowd, visiting a mall or even leaving home.
The individual endeavours to avoid the situation that requires company or may endure it with significant fear. One may fear an actual or imminent situation. Although agoraphobia can occur independently, it is commonly associated with panic disorder.
Selective Mutism
Imagine wanting to connect but you are paralyzed in certain situations! Its like a switch flips and your voice disappears in certain situations. For some reason, certain people, places or situations inexplicably mute you. Words escape you, even though you are able to articulate. This is caused by selective mutism. With this mental condition, an individual who can speak effectively in some situations consistently becomes unable to talk when exposed to other situations, individuals, or locations.
“The expectation to talk to some people triggers a freeze response with feelings of anxiety and panic, and talking is impossible that’s according to NHS.” With time, the person may learn to predict situations that provoke this distressing reaction and do all they can to avoid them.” Crucially and this is very important, the person with selective mutism does not choose who to speak to or not to speak to; they are literally unable to speak in some situations.
Selective mutism usually starts during childhood and may endure into one’s adulthood. Children with this mental condition can speak freely with their closest family but cannot communicate with relatives they do not see frequently or even classmates at school. This lack of speech at school can lead to social isolation and poor grades.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Babies between eight and twelve months tend to have separation anxiety and cry when separated from caregivers. Separation anxiety disorder on the other hand denotes overwhelming fear or distress caused when an individual is separated from an attachment figure.
It is natural for babies and toddlers to get upset when a parent leaves- the tears, the clinging on you when you are leaving for work or run an errand. All this is normal and appropriate. As the kid grows more independently, this habit should subside. For other kids however, the thought of being away from loved ones causes so much distress. School becomes a daily battleground.
While separation anxiety is appropriate and expected in babies and toddlers, it may occur in adults as well. Separation anxiety disorder is a common childhood disorder and may persist for several weeks in children and months in adults. A person with this condition may be reluctant to leave home without the person they are attached to.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
The reasons why someone develops an anxiety disorder are complicated. From what researchers understand so far, likely a combination of factors plays a role:
Genetics and family history
Anxiety disorders run in families. You are prone to developing an anxiety disorder If your father or mother have one.
Life experiences
Going through big traumatic events such as neglect as a child or death of a loved one may flip a switch for anxiety in folks already vulnerable to it.
Brain chemistry
There is also evidence brain chemistry is a factor. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin play a vital role in regulating emotions and mood. A dysfunction or imbalance in these neurotransmitters can cause anxiety disorders. The imbalance can be a result of enduring stress over an extended period.
Health problem
It is essential to recognize that anxiety can sometimes be a consequence of an underlying health condition and some of the medical conditions linked to it include chronic pain, withdraw from alcohol or other medications, diabetes, drug misuse and lastly heart, lung (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and thyroid (hyperthyroidism) conditions.
Risk Factors
There are factors that certainly make a person more vulnerable or increase their risk of developing an anxiety disorder and below I endeavor to run through them.
Trauma
Experiencing trauma particularly in childhood can make one more prone to an anxiety disorder later in life. Children who have experienced traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse, emotional abuse, natural disasters, neglect, sudden loss of a loved one, or witnessed domestic violence face an elevated likelihood of developing anxiety disorders at some point. Besides children, adults too can get an anxiety disorder if they endure a traumatic event.
Genetics
If anxiety disorders run in the family, you are at a high risk of developing one yourself.
Personality traits
Research has also shown a relationship between certain personality traits and susceptibility to anxiety disorders. People exhibiting perfectionistic tendencies, overly sensitive to criticism, shy in social settings, low self-esteem, introversion, and excessive self-criticism have an elevated vulnerability to anxiety.
Constant stress
It is vital to understand that major stressful events such as the loss of a family member, divorce, retrenchment from work, and financial difficulties can precipitate or exacerbate an anxiety disorder. Notably, even an accumulation of minor stressful situations can cause a buildup of stress and make you vulnerable to an anxiety disorder overtime.
Stress due to major illness
Coping with a serious medical condition can understandably provoke anxiety for many patients. Suffering from major conditions such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and all these complicated diseases can cause excessive worry for the patient as they ponder about what the future holds for them.
Substance Abuse
Additionally, drug or alcohol misuse can lead to anxiety disorders or exacerbate existing anxiety symptoms.
Mental health disorders
Lastly, people with other mental health challenges, such as depression, often develop an anxiety disorder too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have constant anxiety?
This question is a bit complex and requires a qualified medical practitioner to have a holistic look at your situation. While I can’t provide a diagnosis or specific medical advice, I will attempt to provide some general information about the possible causes of your situation.
The constant anxiety you are having could be due to a variety of reasons and I attempt to discuss some of them. Looking at childhood experiences can be insightful as trauma early in life might have an impact on your long-term mental health. I advise you to take a hard look at your childhood.
Secondly, find out if in your family there is a history of anxiety disorders. Reflecting on your personality can provide some clues. As alluded earlier, certain personality traits may make one susceptible to developing an anxiety disorder. Lastly, consider your current environment and stress levels. The goal of this discussion is not self-diagnosis but rather identify possible factors to guide your discussion with a qualified medical practitioner.
Can an anxiety disorder be cured?
The treatment for anxiety disorders varies from person to person, depending on individual needs. Many find relief through psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while others benefit from psychiatric medication or a combination of both. Additionally, natural remedies like exercise, mindfulness, meditation, biofeedback, herbal supplements, and nutrition can play a significant role in managing anxiety. The key is discovering what works best for you. Consulting a doctor is essential in determining the most effective approach for your condition.
That said, with Jesus, all things are possible. I know this because I’ve experienced it first-hand. In my book, Conquering Anxiety for Good, I share my personal testimony of complete healing from anxiety. This book is filled with practical tips and faith-based strategies that will help you break free from stress and anxiety, guiding you toward lasting peace and true emotional freedom.
Is anxiety disorder a disability?
Trust me, I have witnessed first-hand how anxiety can consume, incapacitate and limit someone’s ability to function normally. Certainly, higher anxiety levels can be totally debilitating. The Social Security Administration in United States considers anxiety a disability if it significantly impairs your ability to hold down a job full-time.
To qualify for any disability benefits due to anxiety, you must demonstrate that your condition hinders your ability to engage in meaningful and gainful activity. If you believe your anxiety is disabling, and you’re considering applying for social security disability benefits, what I have gathered is that you need to seek assistance from experienced social security disability attorneys. These folks can offer guidance and support throughout the application process, increasing the likelihood of a successful claim.
How long do anxiety attacks usually last?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how long an anxiety attack lasts. Some may find that their anxiety attack lasts for a prolonged period of time while others may experience a quick wave of symptoms that pass pretty quickly. Generally speaking, anxiety attacks can vary in length, intensity, and frequency. Usually, they can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or even days. The duration can be influenced by stress levels, severity of the disorder, and crucially, how well one is able to cope in the moment. Sometimes it can feel like a long attack when in the actual fact, it’s a bunch of separate attacks blurring together, making it feel like one long episode.
How does anxiety affect your heart?
The effect of anxiety on the heart remains an area of ongoing research. Various theories exist regarding how chronic anxiety may impact the cardiovascular system. When a person experiences anxiety, stress hormones are released that trigger a body’s natural “flight or fight” response. The response prepares the body to deal with perceived danger or threats. The problem comes when the anxiety is intense and prolonged, affecting the heart in the following ways:
- Increased Heart Rate: Anxiety causes the heart to beat faster, a normal stress response. However, chronic anxiety can strain the heart with sustained increases in heart rate.
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Anxiety can temporarily raise blood pressure as the body prepares to face potential threats. Consistent high blood pressure due to chronic anxiety can contribute to hypertension, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Some individuals with anxiety may experience irregular heartbeats or palpitations, which can be distressing.
- Increased Blood Clotting: Anxiety can activate the blood clotting system, potentially increasing the risk of blood clots.
- Inflammation: Chronic anxiety promotes inflammation which can damage the linings of arteries and create conditions favorable for the accumulation of coronary plaque.
- Impact on Lifestyle: Anxiety may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle, negatively affecting heart health.
In closing, anxiety disorders are prevalent and impactful mental health conditions affecting millions worldwide. While feelings of anxiety are normal responses to stress, excessive and persistent anxiety is debilitating and can interfere with daily life. Symptoms can manifest physically, behaviourally, and emotionally, including sweating, muscle tension, avoidance behaviour, and intrusive negative thoughts.
The causes of anxiety disorders are multifaceted, involving genetics, life experiences, brain chemistry imbalances, underlying health issues, and substance abuse. Susceptibility to these particular disorders is influenced by various risk factors, including trauma, genetics, personality traits, stress, major illnesses, and coexisting mental health disorders. Seeking professional help, practicing coping strategies, and implementing lifestyle changes can significantly improve the management of anxiety disorders. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle, and with proper support, anxiety can be managed, allowing for a fulfilling and healthier life. If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or mental health specialist, to discuss your specific situation.
