Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with daily activities and overall well-being. The Sterling Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Danbury, Connecticut, offers in-person and online psychiatry and psychotherapy services to individuals worldwide. We understand that knowing when to seek help for anxiety-related symptoms can be challenging. We have developed this resource to help you assess your symptoms and determine if you might benefit from professional support.
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Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. It can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety is an essential first step toward seeking help and improving your mental health.
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
As mentioned previously, anxiety disorders come in several forms, each with its unique characteristics and challenges. If you’re experiencing troubling symptoms of anxiety, learning the differences between these disorders can help you begin to identify your specific problems and hopefully seek appropriate treatment:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, or personal relationships. This worry is often disproportionate to the actual situation and can interfere with daily activities.
- Panic disorder: Involves sudden, intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks. These attacks can occur unexpectedly and include symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. Panic disorder can lead to avoidance of situations where attacks have occurred in the past.
- Social anxiety disorder: Extreme fear of social situations and being judged by others. This can result in avoiding social interactions, impacting“ work, school, and personal relationships. Symptoms often include blushing, sweating, trembling, and difficulty speaking.
- Specific phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, or spiders. The fear is disproportionate to the danger posed and can lead to avoidance behaviors. Phobias can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Involves unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Individuals with OCD may feel compelled to perform certain rituals, such as handwashing or checking locks, to alleviate anxiety caused by their obsessions.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, impacting an individual’s overall well-being. Some common symptoms you may experience with an anxiety disorder include:
- Constant worry or fear: Persistent worrying about everyday situations, even when there is little or no cause for concern.
- Restlessness or feeling on edge: A sense of being keyed up or unable to relax, often accompanied by nervous energy or agitation.
- Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or exhausted, even without significant physical exertion. Anxiety can be mentally draining, leading to a constant state of fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks or maintain attention due to intrusive thoughts and worries.
- Irritability: Increased sensitivity and a lower tolerance for stress, often resulting in mood swings or frustration over minor issues.
- Muscle tension: Physical symptoms such as tightness in the muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. This tension can lead to headaches and other discomforts.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Anxiety can cause insomnia or frequent waking during the night.
- Panic attacks: Episodes of intense fear that can include symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a sense of losing control. Panic attacks can be overwhelming and frightening.
Causes and Triggers of Anxiety
While it’s difficult to pinpoint one particular cause for any mental health condition, there are some risk factors and potential triggers present with anxiety disorders. For example, anxiety can arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological characteristics. Here’s a closer look at some of the causes and triggers of anxiety:
- Genetics: A family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders. If anxiety disorders run in the family, some research supports that individuals may be more susceptible to developing anxiety themselves due to inherited genetic factors.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions. An imbalance can lead to increased anxiety and other mood disorders.
- Environmental stress: Traumatic events, significant life changes, or chronic stress. Experiences such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or ongoing work pressure can trigger anxiety or exacerbate existing symptoms.
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues can trigger anxiety, such as thyroid disorders or heart disease. Chronic illnesses and conditions that cause significant physical stress can also contribute to anxiety.
Risk Factors for Developing Anxiety
Are some people more likely to experience anxiety than others? Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders. Here are a few aspects that may put someone at greater risk for developing anxiety:
- Personal history: Previous mental health issues or childhood trauma. A history of depression, other anxiety disorders, or traumatic experiences in childhood can heighten the risk of developing anxiety later in life.
- Substance use: Alcohol or drug abuse can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. The misuse of substances can lead to physical and psychological dependency, worsening anxiety symptoms over time.
- Personality: Certain personality traits, such as being highly sensitive or perfectionistic, can increase risk. Individuals with these traits may experience heightened stress and worry, making them more vulnerable to anxiety disorders.
- Chronic stress: Ongoing stressful situations, such as financial problems or an unstable home life. Continuous exposure to stress without adequate coping mechanisms can lead to the development of anxiety disorders.
Effective Treatments for Anxiety
If you’re struggling with anxiety, you may be relieved to know that this condition is highly treatable. Various therapeutic approaches can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. At Sterling Institute, we have seen that effective treatment of anxiety-related issues and disorders commonly involves a combination of therapies tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Here are some of the most effective therapies for managing anxiety:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A form of talk therapy that helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns. CBT focuses on challenging and altering unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.
- Medications: Antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers can help manage symptoms. Medications can be particularly effective for severe cases of anxiety, providing relief from acute symptoms while other therapeutic measures take effect. Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly prescribed, while benzodiazepines may be used for short-term relief.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can improve overall well-being and anxiety symptoms. Research supportsthat physical activity can positively impact anxiety symptoms, as it reduces stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Eating a balanced diet helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can influence mood, and adequate sleep is crucial for mental health.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can reduce stress and anxiety. These techniques help calm the mind, improve focus, and increase the ability to stay present in the moment. Mindfulness practices can also enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Getting Treatment for Anxiety
If you suspect you have anxiety, seeking professional help is the first step toward healing. At Sterling Institute, we specialize in treating anxiety and other mental health conditions and are committed to providing the best treatment to our patients, regardless of their location. If you’re seeking treatment for anxiety, here are a few of the benefits you’ll get when you choose Sterling Institute:
- Telehealth services: Receive expert care from the comfort of your home through secure video consultations with our experienced mental health professionals. We provide personalized treatment plans and therapy sessions designed for convenience and effectiveness.
- Comprehensive psychiatry services: Our board-certified psychiatrists offer virtual services nationally and internationally, specializing in diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders, managing medications, and providing regular check-ins to ensure effective treatment.
- Cutting-edge treatments: We utilize the latest advancements in mental health care, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Ketamine Therapy, offering new hope for those with treatment-resistant anxiety.
At Sterling Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, we combine these innovative treatments with personalized care to help you achieve lasting relief from anxiety and lead a fulfilling, balanced life.
Begin Healing From Anxiety
At the Sterling Institute, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care with a team of dedicated mental health professionals. Our experts stay current with the latest research and treatments to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Ready to take control of your anxiety? Contact the Sterling Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine today. Call 475-329-2686 to schedule your appointment. Begin your journey to a calmer, healthier you now.
References
1. Chand SP, Marwaha R. Anxiety. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/
2. Gottschalk, M. G., & Domschke, K. (2017). Genetics of generalized anxiety disorder and related traits. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 19(2), 159–168. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/kdomschke
3. Anderson, E., & Shivakumar, G. (2013). Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in psychiatry, 4, 27. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027