Anxiety Disorder Symptom: The Most Common Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Education is said to be empowering, and it is true of knowing and overcoming the debilitating effects of a single symptom. No matter what the symptom of any type of anxiety disorder is, however, there is always a solution, which may be a combination of medication or the application of psychotherapy principles or both.

Here are some anxiety disorder symptoms that can be treated with the right kind of medication, the right kind of thinking, and the right kind of approach.

mental symptoms

If there is one all-encompassing symptom, then it must be the extreme and persistent fear experienced by things, situations, and people that do not warrant such fear under normal circumstances. The rest of the emotional symptoms are often just the byproducts of such an extreme level of unwarranted anxiety.

Speaking of emotional symptoms, these can include trouble concentrating on even the most normal tasks, experiencing extreme stress even in a calming atmosphere, constantly having negative thoughts, and feelings of impending doom. In many cases, symptoms of depression accompany the anxiety disorder. Fortunately, patients have many treatment options to overcome these symptoms.

First, medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors may be prescribed to control them. Basically, these drugs act on brain chemistry by increasing the production of serotonin, norepinephrine, or both, which are neurotransmitters that are said to improve the mood of the person taking them. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment regimen based on your specific type of anxiety disorder, your reaction to the medications, and the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

Second, psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be provided by a mental health professional. His ultimate goal is to provide the patient with the right mindset and attitude to overcome anxiety attacks and eventually get cured of anxiety disorder. When medications and psychotherapy are combined in a treatment regimen, the chances of success are significantly higher. For many patients, victory can be won with one anxiety disorder symptom at a time.

physical symptoms

Of course, anxiety disorder symptoms go beyond the mind. Physical symptoms include a faster heart rate and lower blood pressure, shortness of breath and profuse cold sweats, frequent urination and diarrhea, tremors and spasms, headaches, and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms peak in about 10 minutes, but can stay with the individual for several days if left untreated.

Again, there are specific treatments for these physical symptoms. First, specific drugs called beta blockers work to slow your heart rate, tremors and twitches, and sweating. Second, relaxation techniques work on shortness of breath by promoting slow, deep abdominal breathing. And of course, dietary and lifestyle changes that positively affect the health of the body and mind are also highly recommended as adjunctive therapy for the relief of anxiety disorder symptoms.

No matter the anxiety disorder symptom, there is always hope for a cure. The important thing is that early and appropriate treatment is sought.