Anxiety

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders occur when ordinary anxiety — feelings of nervousness, worry, and fear — worsens, persists, and interferes with everyday function. Anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Agoraphobia

Most people have one anxiety disorder, but it’s possible to have comorbid anxiety disorders (two or more occurring at the same time).

I have constant anxiety. Is it an anxiety disorder?

Constant anxiety could be an anxiety disorder. Although the symptoms of every anxiety disorder are different, some possible symptoms include:

• Nervousness
• Tenseness
• Sense of impending danger or doom
• Insomnia
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Excessive perspiration
• Shaking
• Stomach cramping or pain
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Inability to focus on anything but your worries

It’s normal to experience some of these symptoms short-term when you have a specific worry, fear, or challenge in life. But ordinary anxiety goes away, while anxiety disorders persist.

Anxiety disorders are generally diagnosed when the anxiety is present on most or all days for six months or longer.

If you’re struggling with constant anxiety, reach out to Adelpha Psychiatric Group. Their experienced psychiatric care team can diagnose and treat you using the most up-to-date strategies.

Is PTSD an anxiety disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) isn’t an anxiety disorder. However, it does share many symptoms with anxiety disorders and was once included in that category.

PTSD is officially classified as a trauma- and stress-related disorder. It can, however, occur alongside anxiety disorders.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

Anxiety disorders usually improve with psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy and counseling, helps you understand and control your anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common approaches to treating anxiety. It enables you to learn a new way to think, react, and behave when dealing with anxiety.

Medication

Although medication doesn’t cure anxiety, it can offer significant symptom relief. Several medications are used for anxiety disorders, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs (usually short-term), and beta-blockers.

Many patients combine psychotherapy and medication for the best results. At Adelpha Psychiatric Group, you can choose the same provider for both.

Anxiety disorders can make your life incredibly stressful and hard to navigate. Fortunately, anxiety disorders usually respond to treatment, so there’s no reason to wait for help. Call the Adelpha Psychiatric Group nearest you now or request your appointment using the online booking feature.