*If anxiety is prolonged and interferes with everyday activities, see a physician.

Anxiety and depression often co-exist. They are often treated with the same medications.

The majority of people with major depression have some symptoms of anxiety and about one in three meet the criteria for having a full-blown anxiety disorder.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, specific phobias. Some people have more than one anxiety disorder.

All anxiety disorders involve unwarranted or excessive anxiety, fear, and dread. Some symptoms are specific to a particular disorder. For example, unwanted recurring thoughts that cause distress that is sometimes relieved by performing repetitive actions are symptoms specific to obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SYMPTOMS:

People who have an anxiety disorder may suffer from a few or many of the following symptoms:

Chronic, exaggerated worry
Feeling on edge
Irritability
Startling easily
Sleep difficulties
Trembling
Sweating
Chills or flushes
Dry mouth
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Dizziness
Trouble concentrating
Fear of losing control
Feelings of unreality
Feeling a lump in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Choking
Shortness of breath
Accelerated heart rate or palpitations
Chest pain or tightness
Nausea
Diarrhea
Recurring unpleasant and unwanted thoughts (with OCD)
Repetitive behavior (OCD)

TREATMENT:

Some of the same medications used to treat depression are also used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. SSRI's are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Anti-anxiety drugs are sometimes prescribed, but a tolerance to the drug can develop, and they can be habit-forming.

Psychotherapy can help. Exposure therapy, often used for specific phobias, is a method of gradually confronting the object of fear. With cognitive therapy irrational thinking/fears are identified and challenged.

Exercising, reducing caffeine intake, and practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga can be helpful. However, professional help is important as anxiety disorders may get worse if left untreated.

Back to the Top ^