Anxiety disorder is a pattern of frequent, constant worry and anxiety over many different activities and events. Surveys have found that as many as 18% of Americans may be affected. Anyone can develop this disorder, kids through to adults, however, it is often more often seen in women than in men. The main risk factors are genes and stress levels.
Symptoms
Constant presence of worry or tension, even with little/ no cause. Worry 'floating' from one problem onto another. Unable to control worries and fears, face difficulties concentrating, often feel fatigued, irritated, problems with sleep and restlessness.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to help you function well during day-to-day life. A combination of medicine and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works best.
Medications are an important part of treatment. Once you start them, do not suddenly stop without talking with your health care provider. Medications that may be used include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first choice in medications. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another choice.
- Other antidepressants and some antiseizure drugs may be used for severe cases.
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepamAtivan) may be used if antidepressants don't help enough with symptoms. Long-term dependence on these drugs is a concern.
- A medication called buspirone may also be used.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you understand your behaviors and how to gain control of them. You will have 10 to 20 visits over a number of weeks. During therapy you will learn how to:
- Understand and gain control of your distorted views of life stressors, such as other people's behavior or life events.
- Recognize and replace panic-causing thoughts, decreasing the sense of helplessness.
- Manage stress and relax when symptoms occur.
- Avoid thinking that minor worries will develop into very bad problems.
Avoiding caffeine, illicit drugs, and even some cold medicines may also help reduce symptoms.
A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, enough rest, and good nutrition can help reduce the impact of anxiety.
