Anxiety
How to control anxiety? Tips to calm it and key signs to identify its symptoms.
Symptoms and Causes
Anxiety is an emotion triggered when a person feels in danger. The response to a threat occurs for a certain period and is proportional to the risk involved. When this feeling persists for an extended period and becomes disproportionate, it is classified as an anxiety disorder.
Usually, anxiety disorders are triggered by an internal threat, making it difficult to prepare a defense. Once they develop, their effects last for at least six months, and symptoms may worsen if the appropriate treatment is not followed.
When anxiety reaches the level of a disorder, it can interfere with daily activities and may lead to panic attacks or social phobia.
Symptoms
Panic attacks cause both physical and mental symptoms. The most common include:
- Palpitations, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sweating, and tremors.
- A sensation of having a heart attack.
- Fear of dying.
- Intense discomfort.
- A feeling of losing control.
- Tingling or weakness in the legs or arms.
Causes
Although no exact cause for anxiety disorders has been identified, their origin is linked to various factors, including:
- Family history, as a genetic predisposition has been detected.
- Upbringing, which can influence the ability to handle stressful events.
- Specific events, such as traumatic experiences, work-related problems, or difficulties in relationships with others.
- Physical illnesses, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), substance abuse, or withdrawal syndrome.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for anxiety disorders are closely linked to their causes. Therefore, the likelihood of developing them increases under the following circumstances:
- Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events.
- Developing stress due to a physical illness.
- Suffering from other mental disorders.
- Abusing drugs or alcohol.
- Psychological vulnerability or lack of coping mechanisms.
Complications
The main complication of anxiety disorders is their chronicity, which often occurs when the triggering factors persist over time. When anxiety becomes chronic, the fear of symptoms reappearing intensifies, accelerating their manifestation and creating a vicious cycle.
If anxiety is not controlled, it can lead to depression, digestive problems, chronic headaches, social isolation, work or academic difficulties, or even suicidal thoughts.
Prevention
Living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, developing resilience and stress management strategies, maintaining social relationships, and fostering emotional expression and self-awareness are key factors in preventing anxiety.
Once the first symptoms appear, it is possible to control anxiety and reduce its impact by consulting a mental health specialist as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
What doctor treats anxiety?
Both a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist can treat anxiety, depending on the severity and type of anxiety disorder.
Diagnosis
To diagnose anxiety disorders, mental health specialists carry out various assessments, including:
- Diagnostic interview: During the initial visit, a preliminary evaluation is conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
- Psychological examination: In follow-up appointments, specialists delve into the causes and rule out other mental disorders.
- Excluding other illnesses: If there is suspicion that anxiety stems from a physical condition, imaging tests or blood tests may be ordered for evaluation by other specialists.
Treatment
The most effective approach to treating anxiety is combining psychotherapy sessions with psychotropic medications, particularly anxiolytics and antidepressants.
During therapy, patients learn to identify and reduce symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly applied to help change reactions to certain stimuli and restore normal life. Third-generation therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or mindfulness, are also beneficial.
