Anxiety Disorders Treatment Q&A

Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness and worry, usually generalized and unfocused as an overreaction to a situation that is only perceived as threatening. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause people to experience fear, worry, and physical symptoms, such as excessive sweating and trembling. They can be very disabling and, if the condition is left unmanaged, can interfere with daily life. The most common anxiety disorders are panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, and they can be caused by different things. The most common anxiety disorders include:

• Agoraphobia
• Anxiety disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Selective mutism
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
• Specific phobias are characterized by major anxiety
• Substance-induced anxiety disorder

The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, however, in people who are already prone to anxiety, life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders. Inherited traits may be a factor.
 
For some individuals living with anxiety, their condition may be linked to an underlying health issue; in fact, anxiety signs and symptoms are often the first indicators of a medical illness, as dozens of conditions make abundantly clear. Medical problems linked to anxiety include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism
• Respiratory disorders, such as COPD and asthma
• Drug misuse or withdrawal
• Withdrawal from alcohol or certain medications, including anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines)
• Chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome
 
Sometimes anxiety can be a side effect of certain medications, but other risk factors can increase the chance of developing anxiety disorder. These include:

• Trauma, both during childhood and adulthood
• Stress due to an illness
• Stress buildup
• Personality
• Other mental health disorders, such as depression
• Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder
• Drug or alcohol misuse or addiction

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:

• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Having a sense of impending doom/danger
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
• Having difficulty controlling worry
• Avoiding things that trigger anxiety

Yes, an anxiety disorder can be cured—but it takes hard work and determination, as well as getting to the root of the problem and understanding how to overcome it. This cannot be done on your own, as it requires a safe space to bring these past experiences to light and a trained mental health professional who specializes in treating anxiety to analyze these experiences and provide insight. This is the best way to cure anxiety disorder; it provides an effective, sustainable long-term solution that does not rely on temporary relief or reliance on pharmacological means to ameliorate symptoms.
 
If you or someone you love is living with an anxiety disorder or suspect they might, the mental health professionals at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches can help you find the answers to restore your quality of life. We look forward to serving you! For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Vero Beach FL, Citrus Ridge FL, Jacksonville FL, Riverside FL, Boynton Beach FL, Delray Beach FL, Palm Beach Gardens FL, Jupiter FL, Stuart FL, Palm City FL, Royal Palm Beach FL, Wellington FL, Plantation FL, Sunrise FL, Port St. Lucie FL, Beau Rivage West FL, Melbourne FL, Palm Bay FL, and surrounding areas.