It is a normal psychological state that arises in stressful situations and in anticipation of danger to help one avoid danger. However, when the anxiety is more than normal, frequent and hinders one from carrying out normal activities, then it becomes an anxiety disorder. This article aims to describe anxiety and the different categories of this disorder.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the general state of fear, apprehension or worry about an event or situation, with the added physical symptoms of increased rate of heartbeat, perspiration, shaking and rapid breathing. Anxiety is a common feeling that everyone experiences from time to time, but anxiety disorders are characterized by chronic and severe anxiety that can interfere with one’s life.
Causes and Risk Factors
Some of the causes of anxiety include; genetic factors, biochemical imbalances in the brain, one’s personality and environmental factors such as stress. Other factors that may lead to the onset of anxiety disorders include; psychological traumas, chronic medical illnesses, substance abuse, and major life transitions.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is defined as the persistent and excessive worrying about everyday things in life including work, health, money, and family. Sufferers of GAD are unable to stop worrying, which in turn affects one’s body in terms of fatigue, muscle tension and sleeping disorders. GAD can be quite disabling due to its impact on many aspects of the client’s life and duration of at least six months.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterized by the prevalence of panic attacks, which is defined as discrete periods of intense fear that develop abruptly and usually reach their peak within minutes. Symptoms of a panic attack are palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, fear of losing control or dying. It is estimated that People with Panic Disorder may become so afraid of having another attack, that they may avoid situations in which they feel they may be trapped, unable to escape or seeking help; consequently, this may have a serious effect on the individual’s quality of life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) entails unfriendly thoughts that persistently invade the patient’s mind and irresistible urges to perform certain actions or mental acts to neutralize the thoughts. Some of the most frequent obsessions are contamination, aggression, and order, while, according to the findings of the current study, compulsions are mostly related to washing, checking, and arranging. OCD is known to be a demanding disorder and may cause much time and significantly interfere with function. For help, you can consult a Psychiatrist in islamabad.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects a person following exposure to a traumatic event that may include natural disasters, traffic accidents, or acts of violence. Some of the symptoms are flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts of the event. The symptoms of PTSD include avoiding situations that may remind the patient of the trauma, negative changes in mood and thought patterns, and increased arousal and sensitivity.
Conclusion
Anxiety is not a simple disorder but rather a vast category with different types that may affect a person’s life greatly. It is for this reason that the various kinds of anxiety disorders need to be discussed to help identify the symptoms and find the right help. If you or a friend are suffering from anxiety then it is advisable to go for the assistance of the therapist so that the right kind of treatment can be planned and the quality of life can be enhanced. For help with anxiety, book an appointment with a Psychiatrist in Lahore for more details.
