What Are The Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety comes in a variety of forms. There is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Panic Disorder. There are varying symptoms depending on which type of anxiety is present, but they can also differ from person to person as well. For instance, certain sufferers might be afraid of large gatherings, while other sufferers might be afraid of heights. Moreover, the symptoms can be minor or they can be major, or they can be anywhere along the spectrum. All this means is that anxiety is never the same in any two people.

Anxiety of all kinds is characterized by excessive worry or fear, even if this worry or fear is irrational or out of proportion to the severity of the situation. People without anxiety would not respond in this manner. Usually, sufferers understand that their fear is not warranted; however, they are unable to stop responding in that way. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by constant worry and panic disorder is characterized by sudden extreme anxiety.

In addition, anxiety includes both physical and mental symptoms. Even though the symptoms are not the same from person to person, and they can be either mild or severe, there are certain symptoms that are common among all anxiety sufferers. Typically, anxiety attacks will remain for about 30 minutes, with their strongest point being at about the 10-minute mark.

Mental Symptoms

Besides the worry and fear that are part and parcel of anxiety, sufferer may also have to deal with:

1. Difficulty focusing

2. Anger

3. Unease

4. Thoughts of going insane

5. Depression or moodiness

Physical Symptoms

There are many physical symptoms that usually accompany anxiety. These are usually triggered by the stress that is placed on the body from excessive worrying or by the strong emotions that occur. In many cases, sufferers will believe they have a physical disorder and will see a physician. Occasionally, physicians make a diagnosis of anxiety disorder based on the physical presentations.

The following list of symptoms are common in sufferers of anxiety; however, not every person will experience every single symptom, while others may experience them all.

1. Headaches

2. Upset Stomach

3. Lightheadedness

4. Loose bowels

5. Tense muscles

6. Inability to sleep or stay asleep

7. Exhaustion

8. Difficulty breathing

9. Increased heart rate

10. Shaking

11. Pain in the chest

12. Excessive perspiration

These physical symptoms can present as very severe when the person is in the grip of a panic or anxiety attack. Occasionally, people who are experiencing a panic or anxiety attack will think they are having a heart attack or they are going to die.

Clearly, both the mental and physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder are extremely scary for the majority of people who are suffering from such a disorder. It is important for anyone with these symptoms seek the advice of a physician as soon as possible to begin treatment before they become debilitating to the point where they interfere with normal life.