How Anxiety Disorder Affects Lives
People all over the world, but especially in Western countries such as the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom are commonly affected by anxiety disorders.

In the United States, anxiety disorders rank high among the various mental health problems affecting individuals on an everyday basis. Studies have estimated that around 28 million people suffer from anxiety disorder each year. This condition affects a person’s studies, work and family life. The condition, in America, has been closely associated with high rates of substance and alcohol abuse.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder


Symptoms of anxiety disorder include weakness, lack of concentration and lack of sleep, and depression. Physical symptoms range from nausea, dizziness, sweating, upset stomach, frequent urination, trembling, and muscular tension. Around 90% of such individuals have a history of depression, alcoholism, drug abuse or social anxiety.

Medical studies suggest anxiety disorders to be of six types:

  • Panic disorders: Characterized by panic attacks and the fear of recurrence of the attack.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Brings about unnecessary thoughts and repetitive behaviors which signify an individual’s attempts to combat it.
  • Phobias: Irrational and severe feelings of fear of specific situations, objects or people.
  • Stress disorders: A result of responses to traumatic events.
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Irrational worry about common, everyday things like health, work, money, etc. Such people often suffer from headaches, muscle tension and fatigue.
  • Anxiety disorder caused by physical conditions like illnesses or substance abuse.

Anxiety symptoms vary for each individual, producing cognitive, physical, behavioral or emotional symptoms. The cultural or ethnic background of a person also plays a chief role in development of some types of anxiety. Several genetic factors leading to imbalance of chemicals in the brain also contribute to anxiety disorders.  Researchers suggest that persons who have been subject to violence, abuse and poverty may develop anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy for Treating Mild & Severe Anxiety Disorders


Psychotherapy may help cure mild forms of the disorder, while a combination of medications and psychotherapy are best for the treatment of severe anxiety disorders. Due to the presence of several medications, it might be difficult for doctors to prescribe the appropriate one for an individual. They may try out a different treatment over duration of 6 or 8 weeks to ascertain the effectiveness.

Several professionals in fact recommend exercises like weight training, yoga, and cardiovascular exercises to cure anxiety disorders. These activities may also help relieve emotional tension. They also help in the release of endorphins, which are naturally occurring pain killers in the body. Endorphins are secreted by brain cells and invoke a feeling of relaxation. Persons afflicted by anxiety disorders must approach medical professionals to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
 
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