Anxiety disorders Symptoms & Causes

It is natural to feel anxious from time to time. People with anxiety disorders, on the other hand, frequently experience intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Anxiety disorders frequently involve repeated episodes of intense anxiety, fear, or terror that peak within minutes (panic attacks).

Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder are all examples of anxiety disorders. You can have multiple anxiety disorders. Anxiety can be caused by a medical condition that requires treatment.

Anxiety and panic disrupt daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger, and can last for a long time. To avoid these feelings, you may avoid places or situations. Symptoms may appear in childhood or adolescence and persist into adulthood.

Symptoms

• Among the most common anxiety, signs and symptoms are:
• Having difficulty concentrating or thinking about anything other than the current worry
• Having gastrointestinal (GI) issues
• Having difficulty sleeping
• Feeling nervous or agitated
• Feelings of impending danger or panic  
• An elevated heart rate
• Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
• Weakness or exhaustion
• Sweating
• Trembling

Causes

Anxiety disorders are caused by unknown factors. Life events, such as traumatic events, appear to exacerbate anxiety disorders in people who are already anxious. Inherited characteristics can also play a role.

Anxiety may be linked to an underlying health issue in some people. Anxiety symptoms and signs are sometimes the first signs of a medical illness. If your doctor suspects that your anxiety is being caused by a medical condition, he or she may order tests to look for signs of a problem.

Medical conditions that can be linked to anxiety include:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome or chronic pain
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are examples of respiratory disorders.
• Misuse or withdrawal from drugs
• Withdrawal from alcohol, anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines), or other medications
• Cardiovascular disease
• Thyroid issues, such as hyperthyroidism

Anxiety is sometimes a side effect of certain medications.

Your anxiety could be caused by an underlying medical condition if:

You have a sudden onset of anxiety that appears to be unrelated to life events, and you have no previous history of anxiety.

You do not avoid certain things or situations because you are anxious.

You have no blood relatives (such as a parent or sibling) who suffer from an anxiety disorder.

Types of Anxiety Disorders