Symptoms of Anxiety

Posted by Rinda on 25/05/2009

Recognizing Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Executive Summary About Symptoms of Anxiety By David A Miller and Eddie Tobey

The symptoms of anxiety disorder can be emotional and/or physical. Emotional symptoms consist of certain negative moods or behaviors, while physical symptoms alter the way your body functions.

Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Some anxiety disorder symptoms are purely emotional. Rather than changing the way your body feels, these symptoms are more like persistent moods or predictable reactions. They don’t necessarily center on fear or anxiety.

Common emotional anxiety disorder symptoms include irritability and constantly feeling “on edge”. People suffering anxiety disorder symptoms often seem only one stressful event away from some sort of breakdown.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

There are instances in which we may feel anxious.  Some of these moments include times when we have to address a large number of people, when we are waiting for results for an exam, or when we are about to join a competition. In these cases, feeling anxiety is perfectly normal, as it is our body’s way of coping and preparing for the activity that we are doing or about to do.  However, when the anxiety that we feel becomes more pronounced and interferes with our ability to function, there is a possibility that we may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Given this, we need to equip ourselves with information that would help us distinguish between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder so that we can take the necessary steps to remedy the disorder.

Normal Anxiety

The anxiety that we feel in very tense situations is a result of our body’s response to such situations, called the ‘flight or fight’ response, prepares our bodies for an increased and more intense activity to deal with the situation.  Some physical symptoms include a dry mouth, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, a rapid heart rate, and tightness or pain in our chests.  In addition to these, other symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, difficulty in swallowing, and frequent urination.  With regard to the physiological symptoms of anxiety, some of them include insomnia, inability to concentrate, irritability, fear of madness, and a fear of losing control.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

When people suffer from anxiety disorders, symptoms become more pronounced and graver, and the fear that people feel can become overwhelming and crippling. Some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders include nightmares, repeated flashbacks of traumatic experiences, uncontrollable obsessive thoughts, feelings of panic, and uneasiness.  Other symptoms include ritualistic behaviors, insomnia, cold sweats, shortness of breath, an inability to keep still, nausea, muscle tension, dry mouth, numbness in the extremities, and palpitations. As can be seen in these symptoms, they can be very debilitating, which can hinder those who suffer from them.

Anxiety is a perfectly normal reaction to tense situations. However, when the anxiety that you feel becomes crippling, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Given this, you need to be able to distinguish between the symptoms of normal anxiety and of anxiety disorders so that you can take the necessary steps to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

Sometimes anxiety disorder symptoms can affect you physically. Functioning of bodily systems is actually changed.

How To Deal with Anxiety Disorder

If you believe that you are suffering from anxiety disorder, you should see your family doctor. You could also try therapy or counselling to cope with your anxiety disorder. You may be more comfortable with alternative treatment methods or natural remedies.

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