Anxiety disorder is a term that is used to describe a variety of conditions. This list includes generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder). Anxiety is part of the emotions that people experience under normal conditions, but when anxiety is overwhelming and constant, this is usually a cause for concern.
Anxiety disorders can be more common than many people realise. Stress from your job, stressful conditions at home, or mental health disorders can lead to negative feelings that can impact every aspect of your daily life. These conditions are on the rise based on studies, and residents of some provinces are more at risk for these kinds of health conditions.
In most cases, anxiety disorders can be managed with a combination of treatments, such as medication and therapy. Getting an accurate diagnosis of your anxiety disorder is critical when it comes to the treatment of these conditions.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders can vary from condition to condition, and some people might experience a range of symptoms that vary from attack to attack. In some cases, the symptoms will be quite mild, but in some instances, they might be very severe and come on abruptly. You might not even realise that these symptoms can be related to stress or anxiety.
The causes of anxiety disorders are complex. Most people who suffer from these disorders might suffer from a combination of factors that has led to the condition making itself known.
You are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder if:
Diagnosis of anxiety disorders can require a number of different tests. Your doctor will collect a history from you about your feelings of anxiety, and they might order tests to see if you have a physical condition that is leading to your feelings of anxiety and fear. There are no specific lab tests that can diagnose anxiety, but if you have a heart condition or a thyroid problem, for example, treating these conditions might resolve your anxiety.
Your doctor will also be likely to refer you to a mental health care provider to help you to start learning how to better cope with your feelings of anxiety. Your regular doctor and your mental healthcare provider will be likely to work together to build a medication and treatment plan for you.
Medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds can help you to feel less worried and fearful. Cognitive behavioural therapy can also help to train your brain to have more moderate responses to stress. The combination of medication and proper mental health care can make all the difference in treating these conditions effectively.