Occasional anxiety can be normal; when we face stressful situations, we can react with anxiety that we can usually manage autonomously with the resources that we have learned consciously or unconsciously throughout our lives.
However, we speak of anxiety disorder when this anxiety is intense and excessive and interferes in the overall functioning of an individual, or if it interferes significantly in areas of social, family, work or academic functioning. Sometimes it can occur persistently in situations that previously did not generate discomfort, or episodically in the form of anxiety crises.
What are the different types?
Within the anxiety disorders the most frequent are:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
- Specific phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Separation anxiety disorder
We must take into account that, sometimes, anxiety can arise from an organic cause that may require specific treatment, so sometimes we need additional tests to rule out other diseases that can occur with anxiety symptoms.
What symptoms can indicate that we are in front of a disorder of this type?
Some of the most common symptoms in Anxiety Disorders are:
- Subjective nervousness, being able to arrive at its extreme to agitation.
- Sensation of imminent danger, panic or catastrophe.
- Increased heart rate
- Accelerated breathing (hyperventilation)
- Sweating and trembling
- Feeling of weakness, tiredness or asthenia
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Avoidance behaviors associated with situations that generate anxiety.
What can lead to an anxiety disorder?
It is not entirely clear what causes anxiety disorders. Currently, it is considered that some abnormalities in the functioning of brain nuclei such as the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus and brainstem are involved in the generation and modulation of Anxiety Disorders. On the other hand, it has also been suggested that the etiology of some types may be genetic.
The risk factors for Anxiety Disorders are multiple. We can mention family history of anxiety, adverse childhood experiences (physical or sexual abuse, parental separation and emotional maltreatment), life stressors (financial problems, marital problems) and the use of toxic substances, among others.
In addition, there are other psychiatric disorders that can mask anxiety, so it is important to address each of the comorbidities and the use of associated treatments.
It is important to take a detailed and individualized clinical history to be able to make a diagnosis and offer the most appropriate treatment.
When is it necessary to see an expert? What treatments are available for this type of disorder?
It is advisable to see a specialist when…
- You feel a high level of worry and/or it interferes with your work, your relationships and other aspects of your life.
- You have feelings of fear or your anxiety causes discomfort and you find it difficult to control them.
- You feel depressed, have problems with alcohol or drug use, or have other mental health problems along with anxiety.
- You think your anxiety may be linked to a physical health problem.
- You have suicidal thoughts or behaviors (if so, it is recommended that you go to the emergency room for immediate evaluation).
If you have doubts, you can consult with your family doctor or your regular doctor, so that he/she can guide you. It is recommended, in case of anxiety, not to postpone medical or psychological care, to avoid the chronification of symptoms, improve the prognosis and avoid possible associated complications (depression, substance use disorders, insomnia, avoidance and isolation behaviors, academic or occupational problems, somatization symptoms, suicide, etc.).
The therapeutic approach to these disorders should be considered on an individual basis. Sometimes psychotherapeutic or psychopharmacological treatment, or a combination of both, may be recommended to achieve complete remission of symptoms. There are different psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatments that will be considered in a timely manner after a detailed anamnesis.
Lifestyle, emphasizing physical activity and nutrition, can play an important role in the development and management of the process. It is important to be informed about the disorder, and psychoeducation is a useful tool to learn about one’s own condition, warning signs and how to deal with different symptoms or signs of the disease.