Anxiety disorder is a state in which a person is in a constant state of worry; so much so that the accompanying anxiety symptoms, whether physical or emotional, limits a person’s day to day functioning. T he symptoms are that serious that someone could think
he is having a heart attack. It is not very uncommon for a person experiencing his first anxiety attack to call an ambulance and ask for help. This article will give a review on common symptoms and treatment related to an Anxiety disorder.
Anxiety symptoms are primarily of three categories:
1. Somatic Symptoms:
Which relates to anxiety symptoms of the body.
2. Cognitive Symptoms:
Which relates to your ‘thought process’.
3. Emotional Symptoms:
Which relates to your feelings.
Essentially anxiety symptoms are always a combination of these three types of symptoms. For example your thought of-“I can’t stay” alone will be accompanied by feelings of fear panic accompanied by symptoms like perspiration, pounding heart and a fainting spell.
Somatic Symptoms:
Feeling Warmth
Racing heart beat
Tightness in the Chest
Sinking/pit feeling in the stomach
Breathlessness
Generalized weakness
Trembling/Quivering
Faintness/Imbalance
Dry Mouth
Excessive Perspiration
Inability to focus
Racing Thoughts
Undefined fleeting Body Aches
Fatigue
Cognitive Symptoms:
I can never Do It
People think I am a fool
People Are watching me
I am dizzy
I am having a heart attack
I will die here / I’m dying
I am alone
I can’t stay alone
My breathing has stopped
I’m Going mad
I’m locked
I’m Not Going Out
There is something wrong
Emotional Symptoms:
Fear/ Panic
Worrisome
Uneasiness
Feelings Of Doom / Gloom
Feeling of being Caged
Loneliness
Loss Of Control over circumstances
Helplessness
Worthlessness
Dejected/ Depressed
Anger
The above category of anxiety symptoms can later be complicated by superimposed conditions like Depression, Panic Attack symptoms, Obsessive Compulsive symptoms too. These conditions are commonly associated with anxiety disorder symptoms or can be a result of long standing anxiety symptoms.
How to prevent anxiety symptoms: The following steps can help decrease anxiety symptoms though not completely eliminate them
• Reduce consumption of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
• Consult doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies.
• Daily Exercise and balanced diet.
• Professional counseling after a traumatic or disturbing experience.
• Support from family/friends/peer group.
• Self-help books/instructional material.
• Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga etc.
About 1 in every 75 individuals suffers from anxiety symptoms at some point of time. It most often begins in adolescence, but can begin in adulthood. Anxiety in children is common and phases off with age. It is more common in women than in men. There is treatments available and preventive care for anxiety symptoms.
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