Intense worry and fear: Identifying signs, origins, remedies, and further insights
Intense fear or apprehension, often described as unease or worry, characterizes debilitating anxiety. Signs of this heightened anxiety include physical reactions such as sweating, feelings of dread, and withdrawal from social situations.
Anxiety is generally a feeling that ranges from mild to severe, depending on the scenario or event related to an uncertain outcome. It may be common to feel anxious occasionally.
But when that anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, affecting daily life tasks, it's known as debilitating anxiety. People might refer to it as an 'apprehensive expectation' - this excessive fear or anxiety that hampers normal functioning.
Individuals who frequently and excessively experience anxiety might be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are common and treatable.
Resources on Anxiety
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Symptoms
Anxiety symptoms can present differently in people, but usually fall under these three categories:
- physical symptoms
- thought patterns
- behavior
Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms of anxiety could be:
- tense muscles
- rapid or pounding heartbeat
- restlessness
- twitching or tremors in muscles
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- headaches
- lightheadedness
- insomnia
- fatigue
- frequent urge to urinate
Emotional
Emotional symptoms include:
- constant worrying
- dread or apprehension
- expecting the worst
- thinking in extremes (all or nothing)
- overgeneralization
Behavior
Behavioral symptoms may involve:
- vigilance for danger
- avoiding situations or events that cause anxiety
- reacting sharply in fearful situations
- social withdrawal
- seeking reassurance
- second-guessing
- compulsive actions, e.g., repetitive handwashing
Causes
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health issues in the USA, affecting over 40 million adults each year. This equates to nearly 19.1% of the US population.
Research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors could result in anxiety disorders.
- There's evidence indicating that anxiety disorders can run in families, which indicates a possible genetic link.
- Adverse life events, including the loss of a loved one, abuse, violence, or living with a long-term illness, may also cause anxiety disorders.
Other potential risk factors include an individual's unique brain chemistry and personality.
Treatments
Various approaches can alleviate debilitating anxiety:
Therapy
Several therapies can aid in treating anxiety, depending on its type and the individual's preferences. Some of these therapies include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT aims to help identify and alter negative thought and behavior patterns that can trigger or worsen anxiety. CBT is a goal-oriented, problem-solving therapy that involves learning new skills, techniques, and ways of thinking.
During CBT, a person will work with their therapist to:
- gain insight into their condition and anxiety triggers
- develop techniques to manage their anxiety
- practice new techniques and strategies
CBT has been scientifically shown to be highly effective and long-lasting.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy involves progressive and controlled exposure to fear-inducing situations. The objective is to help individuals develop coping strategies to reduce their fear response.
Exposure therapy can be helpful for the following anxiety disorders:
- social anxiety
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- phobias
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT teaches mindfulness and acceptance techniques to help manage negative thoughts, sensations, or feelings. ACT aims to empower individuals to gain control over their reactions to unpleasant feelings, prevent avoidance of stressful situations, and accept their thoughts and emotions.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
DBT is a comprehensive and layered therapy that combines CBT methods with Eastern meditation techniques to focus on both acceptance and change. DBT involves a blend of group therapy, individual therapy, and additional access to the individual's mental health professional to teach:
- mindfulness
- stress tolerance
- emotion regulation
- interpersonal skills
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is based on the theory that negative emotions and behaviors stem from problems with processing information and memories. During EMDR, a therapist helps guide the person in recalling distressing mental images while using alternating eye movements to stimulate both brain hemispheres.
This bilateral stimulation aims to improve the brain's processing of information, allowing people to experience distressing material in a less intense manner.
Research from 2024 indicates that EMDR is beneficial for people struggling with psychological distress resulting from traumatic experiences.
Medication
Anxiety management may involve oral medication administration for either a brief or extended duration. Medical professionals might prescribe several medications for anxiety treatment.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that positively affects mood, emotions, and sleep. SSRIs work by stopping the reabsorption of serotonin, a natural chemical, between nerve cells in the brain. This, in turn, boosts serotonin levels in the brain, enhancing mood and alleviating anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs may be effective in addressing various anxiety disorders.
SSRIs' common side effects include:
- difficulty sleeping or excessive drowsiness
- sexual dysfunction
- weight gain
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that impacts concentration, focus, and memory. SNRIs prevent reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine between nerve cells in the brain, increasing the levels of both chemicals in the brain, thereby improving mood and alleviating anxiety.
Side effects of SNRIs include:
- headaches
- sleep difficulties
- stomach upset
- weight gain
- sexual dysfunction
- increased blood pressure
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that relaxes both the brain and body. They aid in managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, headaches, and restlessness.
Benzodiazepines should only be used for temporary anxiety relief, either alone or with other treatments. However, due to its addictive properties, it can be a last resort.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain while reducing acetylcholine levels.
Acetylcholine amplifies the brain’s response to external stimuli and enhances attention. By reducing acetylcholine, certain types of anxiety disorders can be effectively treated.
Tricyclic antidepressants can cause:
- a drop in blood pressure
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
Alternative or Complementary Treatments
Alternative or complementary treatments may aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. Examples include:
- relaxation and stress management techniques
- meditation
- yoga
- acupuncture
Exercise
Regular physical activity can help lower stress and anxiety. Aerobic exercises may be especially beneficial.
A medical professional can guide an individual in creating an exercise regimen.
Outlook
People dealing with debilitating anxiety should consider seeking help. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that only 36% of individuals with anxiety disorders receive treatment.
Therapy is commonly viewed as an efficient and long-lasting treatment, assisting people in developing tools to manage anxiety. Improvements may be noticeable within 12 to 16 weeks. Combining therapy with medications can help in managing anxiety disorders.
Individuals with debilitating anxiety may consider consulting a mental health professional or doctor. They can provide breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and medication to manage anxiety.
Finding the right therapy, therapist, or medication may require trying various approaches. Before changing or stopping medications, or modifying dosages, consulting a doctor is recommended.
Support
Anyone suffering from excessive anxiety should consult a medical professional who can offer a referral to a mental health professional.
Online resources to help find a therapist include:
- American Psychiatric Association’s "Find a Psychiatrist" function
- Good Therapy’s "Find a Therapist" function
- American Psychological Association’s "Psychologist Locator"
- ADAA’s "Find a Therapist" service
Numerous resources are available for those seeking support.
Suicide Prevention
If someone is at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another individual:
- Ask the crucial question: "Are you contemplating suicide?"
- Provide a non-judgmental listening ear.
- Contact 911 or your local emergency number or text TALK to 741741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Safely remove any harmful objects if possible.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, a prevention hotline can offer support. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available around the clock at 988. For those having difficulty hearing, you can use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Summary
Chronic anxiety involves irrational fear or dread related to everyday tasks, affecting an individual’s daily life. Conventional approaches such as medications, alternative treatments, and therapy can help in managing anxiety symptoms.
Worry can show up in various physical, emotional, and behavioral ways. Folks dealing with extreme worry should think about asking for expert assistance. Proper aid can significantly help in managing anxiety disorders.
The kind of therapy a person gets relies upon the sort of stress they're experiencing, just as their individual inclinations. Treatment alternatives include counseling, drugs, or alternative methods like meditation or mindfulness. A person can chat with their specialist about the distinct treatment choices they have.
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