Some anxiety is normal and even necessary, but when it is out of control and interfering with your daily life, it could be an anxiety disorder. These are serious mental health conditions that require treatment from a mental health professional like a psychiatrist. Here is a closer look at these conditions and signs it may be time to seek help.
Anxiety disorders refer to a group of mental health conditions characterized by frequent, excessive, and persistent worry or fear that is out of proportion to one's circumstances. Symptoms of anxiety disorder can vary by type and the patient. However, the following symptoms are common in almost all anxiety disorders:
It is not uncommon for those with an anxiety disorder to be aware their feelings are unwarranted, but they still do not seem to be able to control them.
There is more than just one type of anxiety disorder. These disorders can be general or related to a specific thing or situation, but the following are some of the most common anxiety disorders.
A person with GAD experiences constant and excessive fear and worry that interferes with their daily life. Anxiety permeates every aspect of their life, from health and family to job responsibilities. A person with GAD may have a constant undercurrent of anxiety coupled with physical systems of being on edge, restlessness, and fatigue.
The key features of this anxiety disorder are recurrent panic attacks—sudden episodes of severe physical and psychological distress. During a panic attack, several symptoms suddenly occur at once, including heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, and fear of losing control. Panic attacks can be severe and debilitating.
A phobia-related disorder is an excessive and irrational fear of a place, thing, or situation that is usually not considered a danger. Typically, the patient is aware that the fear is irrational but unable to control it. Someone with a phobia-related disorder may be so obsessed with the source of their fear that avoiding it severely impacts their life.
Also known as social phobia, this anxiety disorder is characterized by fear and avoidance of social situations. People with this disorder either avoid social interaction or have extreme anxiety during them, fearing they will be judged, humiliated, or rejected by people. This social phobia can be so extreme it causes problems with daily functioning.
Anxiety can sometimes be perfectly normal, especially in response to an actual danger. However, usually, it is in proportion to an actual danger or stressor and subsides after the situation has passed. So, how does one distinguish normal anxiety from a disorder? Here are some key signs an individual may be dealing with an anxiety disorder:
If any of these statements apply, it is important to seek professional help. Untreated anxiety disorders can threaten one's well-being and ability to function and lead to substance abuse issues and other emotional and physical health problems.
The only way to know for sure if one is living with an anxiety disorder is to be evaluated by a mental health professional. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. In addition to interviewing the patient about their symptoms and physical and mental health history in detail, they may also perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This allows them to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms and make sure the symptoms are not related to any substance misuse.
A psychiatrist can identify the type of anxiety disorder and recommend a course of treatment. The most successful anxiety disorder treatment is often a combination of medication and therapy. Medications may include antidepressants or antianxiety medications. These medicines may be combined with a form of psychotherapy, such as exposure therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
If you feel your anxiety is out of control, seek the help of a mental health provider. Anxiety disorders do not usually get better without treatment and can even continue to worsen. Do not allow anxiety to derail your life. Call our team today.
Request an appointment here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Anxiety Disorder in Myrtle Beach, SC.
If you are dealing with anxiety, grief, depression, addiction, or other mental health issues, group therapy can be an effective psychotherapy treatment. The size of the group can vary, but most have somewhere between five and 15 people, in addition to one or two professionals who lead and mediate the session. A typical session will…
If you experience nervousness, worry, fear, or restlessness on a routine basis, it may be time to talk to a professional about anxiety treatment. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 40 million adults in the United States, or around 19% of the population, have some type of anxiety disorder. This widespread issue…
Although it can often be neglected, mental health plays a critical role in your overall well-being. Psychotherapy treatment is an effective way to help people who experience one or more mental health issues, such as:Addiction.Anxiety.Depression.Eating disorders.Personality disorders.Symptoms from these and other mental and emotional problems can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, maintain good…
Mental health professionals are your first course of defense against disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. Psychiatrists are the most qualified professionals to address these issues since they can provide medication and therapy.Let us go over some frequently asked questions you might have regarding mental health and the professionals who address it:What is the…
If you are dealing with anxiety, grief, depression, addiction, or other mental health issues, group…
If you experience nervousness, worry, fear, or restlessness on a routine basis, it may be…
Although it can often be neglected, mental health plays a critical role in your overall…
Mental health professionals are your first course of defense against disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder,…
Telehealth can make psychiatric care more accessible, especially for patients who find it hard to…
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly 20% of U.S. adults and over…
