Everyone is affected differently by anxiety. Fear and dread can sometimes persist or worsen over time. Anxiety is the body’s normal reaction to stress.
It is uneasiness or fear about what is to come. Going to a job interview or making a speech on the first day of school, for example, may make some individuals anxious and uncomfortable.
However, if your anxiety symptoms are severe, remain for at least 6 months, and interfere with your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder.
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is a vital part of several different disorders. These include:
- Panic disorder; This means you experience recurring panic attacks at unexpected times.
- Phobia; This is an excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.
- Social anxiety disorder; This is an extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder; This means you have recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific, repeated behaviors.
- Separation anxiety disorder; This means you have a fear of being away from home or your loved ones.
- Illness anxiety disorder; This is anxiety about your health (formerly called hypochondria).
What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety manifests differently depending on the individual. From butterflies in your stomach to a pounding heart, emotions may run the gamut. You may feel out of control, as if there is a schism between your mind and body.
You may be afraid of something in general, or you may be afraid of a specific location or event. You may have a panic attack in some instances.
Symptoms
Anxiety sources that can be trusted include:
- Difficult-to-control worrisome thoughts or beliefs
- Restlessness
- Difficulty focusing
- Having problems falling asleep
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Unidentified aches and pains
Your anxiety symptoms may differ from those of others. That is why it is critical to understand how anxiety manifests itself. Discover the many sorts of anxiety symptoms.
Best Medications to treat Anxiety Disorders
Benzodiazepines
Sedatives like benzodiazepines can help you relax your muscles and quiet your thoughts. They operate by enhancing the actions of specific neurotransmitters, which are molecules in the brain that convey signals between cells.
Many anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, can be helped by benzodiazepines. These are some examples of these drugs:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) anxiety disorders. Buspirone’s mechanism of action is unknown, however it is suspected to impact brain chemicals that govern mood.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels, which regulate mood, sexual desire, hunger, sleep, and memory. SSRIs are normally begun at a low dose and subsequently increased by your doctor.
SSRIs used to treat anxiety include the following:
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft
