Signs that you have an anxiety disorder

Anxiety is such a familiar emotion that it is easy to overlook its impact on our quality of life. Long-term anxiety and stress that are not effectively treated can lead to depression.

According to statistics, the percentage of Vietnamese people who are likely to suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives is 15-20% of the population. Of these, anxiety disorders account for more than 10%.

Worries in life, work... lead to insomnia, stress, poor appetite,... which in turn cause physical illnesses such as blood pressure, stomach problems.

Classification of anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders come in many varieties which can include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder: is a psychological disorder, mental trauma, manifested by obvious anxiety symptoms after having to deal with a traumatic event and continuing to last long after the event has ended.
• Social phobia: excessive fear in common social situations. Patients often avoid communicating, working, meeting and gathering in crowded places.
• Separation anxiety disorder: excessive anxiety when separated from a place or person that makes you feel safe. Children are the main victims.
• Generalized anxiety disorder: is characterized by persistent, pervasive anxiety that is not limited to and is prominent in any particular situation.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: common signs of the disease are obsessive thoughts, unreasonable anxiety and having to perform compulsive behaviors to reduce stress. People affected by the disease have meaningless, repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are out of control.

When anxiety disorders are treated promptly, they will help patients return to a confident, healthy life soon.

Warning signs of anxiety disorder

• Fear of unknown cause, more severe leading to obsession. In specific situations, the patient will experience this emotion and cannot overcome that fear or obsession.
• Stress, excessive anxiety about normal events happening around: This is a typical symptom of anxiety disorder.
• Difficulty keeping calm, talking a lot, moving around constantly, brain has difficulty thinking.
• Decreased ability to concentrate, memory loss due to mental stress for too long.
• Arrhythmia, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, shortness of breath.
• Hands and feet shaking, sweating, or numbness.
• Feeling weak, tired, lethargic, and aching muscles and joints.
• Dizziness, headache, nausea.
• Digestive disorders, taste disorders, sudden weight gain or loss.
• Sleep disorders: constant sleepiness or severe sleep deprivation, seriously affecting mental and physical health.
• Doubting yourself: asking yourself many questions and doubting yourself and the things happening around you, leading to lack of confidence, fear of communicating and adapting to life outside.

If left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to serious consequences. Feelings of constant anxiety and worry lead to lethargy, fatigue, lack of energy, and boredom with current life.

Patients become withdrawn, afraid to communicate with society, reduce their ability to adapt to life, reduce the quality of life, study, and work.

Physical health is reduced due to digestive disorders, prolonged sleep disorders. Other dangerous complications such as: depression, substance abuse, self-harm, ...

Can anxiety disorders be cured?

Anxiety disorders can be effectively treated through interventional therapy including:

• Psychotherapy: Psychologists may practice therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy,...
• Complementary care techniques: mindfulness, yoga, or stress management skills are some complementary or alternative approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
• Medication: No medication can cure or prevent anxiety disorders. However, doctors can prescribe anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to improve symptoms and help people function well again.

Summary: Anxiety disorders need timely treatment to help patients quickly return to a confident, healthy, happy life and improve the quality of work, study, and social relationships. When experiencing mental and physical signs of anxiety disorders, patients should be examined, consulted, and treated by a specialist.

Dr. Pham Thanh Phuong

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/cac-bieu-hien-canh-bao-ban-dang-mac-roi-loan-lo-au-172241106150722897.htm