Anxiety disorder includes different subtypes such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The subtypes are categorized depending upon the underlying causative factor. Even though the symptoms of the anxiety disorder subtypes differ slightly, they will certainly have a common characteristic symptom of fear and insecurity. Anxiety disorder manifests both mental as well as physical symptoms.
The psychological symptoms of anxiety disorder mainly include uneasiness, fear of losing control, behavioral problems, sleep problems, nightmares, insecurity, restlessness, confusion, avoidance, nervousness, constant fear, hypervigilance, escapism and self-consciousness. The associated physical symptoms of anxiety disorder include sweating, shortness of breath, flushing, palpitation, dry mouth, nausea, hot flashes, chills, cold and numbness in feet and hands, muscle pain, joint pain, tremors, twitches, chest pain, headache, stomach pains, queasiness, diarrhea, frequent urination, dizziness and fatigue.
Anxiety symptoms are important for the diagnosis of the disorder as it helps to determine the underlying factor of the disorder. The symptoms are carefully analyzed using the psychological examination, physical examination, and review of the symptoms, to find out the exact subtype of anxiety. The treatment of anxiety will depend upon the basic reason of the anxiety disorder. It include biological reasons, family history, brain abnormalities, environmental conditions, chemical imbalance, addiction and any major stressful incidents in life.
Anxiety disorder treatment mainly consists of prescriptions of anti-depressant class drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants. The antidepressant drugs include luoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, venlafaxine, clomipramine, imipramine, phenelzine, trancypromine and isoprocarboxid. The anti-anxiety drugs, known as anixolytics, mainly include Benzodiazepines and Azipirones. The class of drugs includes Valium, Ativan, Xanax, and Klonopin. Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and beta blockers are other class of medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, white noise, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy are also suggested for the treatment of anxiety disorder. Alternative treatment such as acupuncture, and yoga, are also used in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Kava Kava, hops, St. John's wort, passion flower, and chamomile are some of the recommended herbal remedies for anxiety treatment.
In conclusion, if you can have a relaxed mind and sound body, you can prevent anxiety disorders. Adopt practices such as exercise, proper diet and mental relaxation techniques to avoid anxiety disorders.
