What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms can be caused by a variety of causes. Stressful life events, sleeplessness and physical ailments like chronic pain and illness are some of the most common causes.

The symptoms may vary from individual to individual, but some common ones include: anxiety and trouble concentrating. Other symptoms may be more serious and require medical treatment.

1. Panic attacks

If you experience panic attacks often it could be an indication of anxiety. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of anxiety and intense physical sensations. They can happen anywhere and at any moment, such as when you're driving shopping, driving or sleeping, or during a meeting. They can trigger a racing pulse, difficulty breathing and sweating. You might feel as if you are experiencing a panic attack. These symptoms are the result of the body's "fight or flight" response. It's a natural reaction to perceived threats, such as the grizzly bear or speeding vehicle. The adrenaline released by the body increases blood flow to muscles and causes physical changes which allow you to react to the perceived threat.

The symptoms of panic attacks may vary for each person and can also change over time. Certain people experience one panic attack but never have another, while others have them frequently. Some people are affected by certain situations or places such as the dentist's office, the gym or public speaking. The attacks could be short but they feel like they come in waves.

These symptoms are unpleasant but aren't life-threatening. However, they can be difficult to manage on your own. They are often mistaken for symptoms of a medical condition, such as an attack on the heart or thyroid disease. It is important to talk to your doctor and seek treatment if there are any concerns.

Many people suffering from anxiety suffer frequent panic attacks and worry about when they'll strike next. This can result in avoidance behaviors, like avoiding certain people or situations because they could trigger an attack. This is known as agoraphobia.

You may be diagnosed with panic disorders if you have frequent periods of anxiety, fear or panic without any obvious trigger. People suffering from panic disorder are more likely to suffer from other anxiety disorders such as phobias and generalized anxiety disorder.

2. Stress

It's normal to worry. However it can be beneficial in the event that we are prepared to react in a potentially dangerous situation. It could be an indication that you're anxious if it is persistent and is affecting your daily life. If you notice that your anxiety is preventing you from sleeping or keeping you from living your life to the fullest, it's the time to get assistance.

It's not easy to determine what causes anxiety disorders. However, we know that stress and an imbalance of chemicals in your brain are involved. This can happen due to prolonged exposure to stressful circumstances or from chronic, severe anxiety disorder symptoms stress that alters the process your body uses to make chemicals like cortisol and dopamine. Some people are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder due to their genetic make-up or family history. If you've suffered trauma or abuse in the past, this could also trigger an anxiety disorder.

Treatments for anxiety include medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Some of the most effective treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy which can help you develop strategies to overcome the negative thoughts that cause distress. It is also possible to benefit from other types of therapy, for instance mindfulness, which helps you pay attention to the present moment.

It's important to seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms become more severe. You can try to self-manage your symptoms through exercise, not drinking too much caffeine, and getting enough rest. You can also use the Service Finder to locate health care services close to you. If you're having suicidal thoughts you can call the suicide hotline on 13 11 14 or visit an emergency room. If you need support you can talk to a friend or family member or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information on anxiety and its treatment go to the Anxiety Australia website.

3. Physical symptoms

If anxiety isn't treated, it can lead to various physical symptoms. People can often be misinterpreted as having medical problems when they exhibit these symptoms, so it's crucial to receive a proper diagnosis. A healthcare professional can perform an extensive exam to rule out any other ailments, and may also ask about your mental health history as well as your daily routine.

The symptoms of a stroke differ from person-to-person, but some of the most frequent include headaches and shortness of breath. Talk to your therapist if you experience any of these symptoms. They can help you learn how to reduce anxiety symptoms to manage the physical manifestations of anxiety and decrease the impact they have on your life.

If you're feeling nervous, your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in. This can trigger an increase in heart anxiety symptoms rate. This is because the adrenal glands send signals to the heart to pump blood faster, in preparation for an upcoming danger. It can also cause you to breathe faster. A lot of people feel an ache in their chest or a feeling that they're not receiving enough oxygen.

Sweating is another common sign of anxiety. This can be caused by the fight or run response, which can increase sweat gland activity throughout the body. This can result in pits and sweaty palms and an overall feeling of being overheated, per the NIMH.

Anxiety can also cause a dry mouth that can make it difficult to speak or swallow. This can be uncomfortable, and can cause choking according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. People suffering from anxiety may also have a feeling of not being in a position to breathe, which can be scary and cause them to panic.

Changes in the digestive system, such as diarrhea or constipation are among the most serious symptoms of anxiety. This is due to the fact that stress hormones can impact your digestion and make it hard to keep food down and they may also cause acid reflux. Other symptoms that could be present are pins and needles appearing in the feet or hands, which is a sign that your nervous system is over-excited.

4. Isolation

Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, those with an anxiety disorder experience a lot of and constant anxiety or fear. This can cause problems with daily activities and cause physical symptoms. It could be a concern for one specific thing (such as an attack of panic) or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder a wide range of everyday situations.

In addition to being worried about something, anxiety can also cause physical symptoms such as a pounding of the heart, dizziness or chest pain. It can also lead to emotional symptoms, such as a feeling of impending doom or that everything is out of hand. People who suffer from an ongoing health issue such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may also suffer from anxiety withdrawal symptoms-related symptoms.

People suffering from anxiety disorders tend to avoid things that trigger their symptoms. This can make them feel lonely. This can lead to depression which is often a co-morbidity with anxiety. A family history of anxiety disorders, a difficult childhood and adulthood, or personality traits, such as shyness, can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. High levels of daily stress can also increase the chances that people will develop an Anxiety withdrawal symptoms disorder.

Effective treatment is available for anxiety despite the many causes. Most people with anxiety are able to benefit from psychotherapy or "talk therapy" and medication. Talk therapy can help a person learn new ways of thinking and reacting that can reduce anxiety. The use of medication can lessen symptoms for a brief time or over a long time.

People who want to get better should see a doctor for an assessment. The doctor will require an extensive medical history as well as an examination. The doctor will evaluate the patient's symptoms and the way they affect their daily lives. There are no lab tests that can help diagnose anxiety disorders. The provider will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard guide to diagnose mental illness.