What is anxiety, and when is it more than natural worry?
We all feel anxious and worried at times. Our bodies are naturally wired with the so-called fight-or-flight mechanism which is triggered in response to stressful situations. It is normal to feel anxious before an important business meeting or final exam, or when you are awaiting the results of a medical test. But when worry and fear become so constant and overwhelming that they are interfering with your ability to function normally, it is possible that you have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most common forms of mental illness, affecting an estimated 18% of adults in the United States alone. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, as well as specific phobias (irrational and overwhelming fears). While each type of anxiety disorder has specific characteristics, they all share many similarities in the effects they have on the body and brain.
* Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
The typical symptoms of an anxiety disorder include the following:
- Unfounded fear, worry, or panic;
- Obsessive thoughts;
- Nightmares and insomnia;
- Chest palpitations;
- Shortness of breath;
- Numbness in the extremities;
- Nausea;
- Dizziness;
- Dry mouth;
- Inability to remain calm.
* Causes of Anxiety
Unfortunately, many people tend to view emotional disorders such as depression or anxiety as a sign of personal weakness; however, medical research has shown this assessment to be completely false. While the precise causes of anxiety and other emotional disorders are not yet fully understood, it is clear that changes in brain chemistry and environmental stressors play a tremendous role.
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