Have you ever heard about anxiety disorder? Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous. But if your feelings of anxiety are extreme, last for longer than six months, and are interfering with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

What are anxiety disorders?

It’s normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking a test. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work harder and to do a better job. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes, but does not interfere with your everyday life. In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with you all the time. It is intense and sometimes debilitating.

This type of anxiety may cause you to stop doing things you enjoy. In extreme cases, it may prevent you from entering an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect anyone at any age.

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

• Panic disorder: experiencing recurring panic attacks at unexpected times. A person with panic disorder may live in fear of the next panic attack.
• Phobia: excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity
• Social anxiety disorder: extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific, repeated behaviors
• Separation anxiety disorder: fear of being away from home or loved ones
• Illness anxiety disorder: anxiety about your health (formerly called hypochondria)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): anxiety following a traumatic event

Symptoms

Symptoms of general anxiety include:

• uncontrollable worry
• fear
• muscle tension
• a fast heartbeat
• difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• difficulty concentrating
• physical discomfort
• tingling
• restlessness
• feeling on edge
• irritability

What is an anxiety attack?

An anxiety attack is a feeling of overwhelming apprehension, worry, distress, or fear. For many people, an anxiety attack builds slowly. It may worsen as a stressful event approaches. Anxiety attacks can vary greatly, and symptoms may differ among individuals. That’s because the many symptoms of anxiety don’t happen to everyone, and they can change over time. Common symptoms of an anxiety attack include:

• feeling faint or dizzy
• shortness of breath
• dry mouth
• sweating
• chills or hot flashes
• apprehension and worry
• restlessness
• distress
• fear
• numbness or tingling

Causes

Though the exact causes of anxiety disorders aren’t clear, experts have identified risk factors. For example, you’re more likely to develop an anxiety disorder if you have:

• depression
• irritable bowel syndrome
• a history of substance abuse
• another anxiety disorder

 

Other factors that can increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder include:

• Stress: Everyone encounters stress. But excessive or unresolved stress can increase your chances of developing chronic anxiety.
• Genetics: If someone in your family has an anxiety disorder, you have a greater risk of developing one too. Your risk is especially high if you have a parent with anxiety.
• Personality type: Some people are more prone to anxiety. Busy, high-strung people with type A personalities have a greater risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
• Trauma: Severe trauma, such as child abuse or military combat, increases your risk of developing anxiety. This can include being the victim of trauma, being close to someone who’s the victim of trauma, or witnessing something traumatic.
• Sex or gender: Women are twice as likely as men to have generalized anxiety disorder and other related conditions.

Treatment

Once you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, you can to explore treatment options with your doctor. For some people, medical treatment isn’t necessary. Lifestyle changes may be enough to cope with the symptoms. In moderate or severe cases, however, treatment can help you overcome the symptoms and lead a more manageable day-to-day life.

Treatment for anxiety falls into two categories: psychotherapy and medication. Meeting with a therapist or psychologist can help you learn tools to use and strategies to cope with anxiety when it occurs. Medications typically used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and sedatives. They work to balance brain chemistry, prevent episodes of anxiety, and ward off the most severe symptoms of the disorder.

 Natural remedies for anxiety

• getting enough sleep
• meditating
• staying active and exercising
• eating a healthy diet
• staying active and working out
• avoiding alcohol
• avoiding caffeine
• quitting smoking cigarettes

How to help children with anxiety

Anxiety in children is natural and common. In fact, one in eight children will experience anxiety. As children grow up and learn from their parents, friends, and caretakers, they typically develop the skills to calm themselves and cope with feelings of anxiety. But, anxiety in children can also become chronic and persistent, developing into an anxiety disorder. Uncontrolled anxiety may begin to interfere with daily activities, and children may avoid interacting with their peers or family members.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder might include:

• jitteriness
• irritability
• sleeplessness
• feelings of fear
• shame
• feelings of isolation

Anxiety treatment for children includes cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy) and medications.

How to help teens with anxiety

Teenagers may have many reasons to be anxious. Tests, college visits, and first dates all pop up in these important years. But teenagers who feel anxious or experience symptoms of anxiety frequently may have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety in teenagers may include nervousness, shyness, isolationist behaviors, and avoidance. Likewise, anxiety in teens may lead to unusual behaviors. They may act out, perform poorly in school, skip social events, and even engage in substance or alcohol use. The most common treatments for anxiety in teenagers are talk therapy and medication.

Can foods treat anxiety?

Medication and talk therapy are commonly used to treat anxiety. Lifestyle changes, like getting enough sleep and regular exercise, can also help. In addition, some research suggests the foods you eat may have a beneficial impact on your brain if you frequently experience anxiety. These foods include:

• salmon
• chamomile
• turmeric
• dark chocolate
• yogurt
• green tea