What Are the Signs of Anxiety Disorders?

Posted on April 19, 2017

Photo: flickr

As is the case with many other mental problems, the distinction between pure anxiety and anxiety disorders depends on the amount and nature of the anxiety felt. It is undoubtedly true that most, if not all of us feel anxious at some points in our lives, though some more often than others. This sort of everyday anxiety is a normal, human response we have to stressful situations, but it is when we experience severe anxiety in response to minor events that it becomes a problem and something we should worry about.

To give an example, many of us have difficulties sleeping or experience stiffness in our muscles occasionally, especially on the day before an important examination or interview. However, should you feel that you, or your loved one, is experiencing frequent and acute anxiety over somewhat insignificant matters that should not trigger such responses, it is perhaps good to take a closer look at the issue at hand.

Apart from a general form of anxiety, anxiety can also be triggered by certain events and other things. This is where Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), phobias and social anxiety can come into play. However, although anxiety comes in many different forms and manifestations, there are some core features that the different types share.

Some archetypal psychological signs of anxiety include:
- Feeling panicky, fearful or uneasy
- Feeling restless or constantly on edge
- Frequently experiencing a sense of dread
- Having problems concentrating

Some physical signs of anxiety include:
- Muscle tension
- Difficulties falling asleep
- Having a dry mouth
- Feeling short of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness

Certainly, these do not cover all the possible signs of anxiety that people experience, as signs of anxiety differ widely from person to person. Hence, people can experience a very wide and varied range of symptoms. The number of symptoms experienced by each person also varies. However, it is not the number of symptoms, or the identification of them, that truly matters when diagnosing an anxiety disorder. Rather, it is noting how much those symptoms affect the person’s life that is of significance. Those who experience severe anxiety that greatly affects the quality of his or her life should try to approach someone for help. In fact, psychological therapy is a great, and established treatment method for anxiety disorders. Should you fear that you, or someone you know, might be suffering from an anxiety disorder, know that you are not alone, and that there are many avenues of help available.


Category(s):Anxiety

Source material from PsyBlog