Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil, often accompanied by nervous behavior, such as pacing back and forth, somatic complaints, and rumination. It is the subjectively unpleasant feelings of dread over anticipated events, such as the feeling of imminent death. Anxiety is not the same as fear, which is a response to a real or perceived immediate threat, whereas anxiety is the expectation of future threat. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, uneasiness, and worry, usually generalized and unfocused as an overreaction to a situation that is only subjectively seen as menacing. It is often accompanied by muscular tension, restlessness, fatigue and problems in concentration. Anxiety can be appropriate, but when experienced regularly the individual may suffer from an anxiety disorder.
Everyone feels anxious now and then. It’s a normal emotion. Many people feel nervous when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision.
Anxiety disorders are different, though. They can cause such distress that it interferes with your ability to lead a normal life.
This type of disorder is a serious mental illness. For people who have one, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be disabling. But with treatment, many people can manage those feelings and get back to a fulfilling life.
Anxiety disorders are different, though. They can cause such distress that it interferes with your ability to lead a normal life.
This type of disorder is a serious mental illness. For people who have one, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be disabling. But with treatment, many people can manage those feelings and get back to a fulfilling life.
What Are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?
There are several kinds, including:
1) Panic disorder:
People with this condition have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. Other symptoms of a panic attack include sweating, chest pain, palpitations (unusually strong or irregular heartbeats), and a feeling of choking. It can feel like you’re having a heart attack or "going crazy."
Panic disorder symptoms include:
There are several kinds, including:
1) Panic disorder:
People with this condition have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. Other symptoms of a panic attack include sweating, chest pain, palpitations (unusually strong or irregular heartbeats), and a feeling of choking. It can feel like you’re having a heart attack or "going crazy."
Panic disorder symptoms include:
- Sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear
- Feelings of being out of control during a panic attack
- Intense worries about when the next attack will happen
- Fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
2) Social anxiety disorder:
Also called social phobia, this involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule.
Social anxiety disorder symptoms include:
Also called social phobia, this involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule.
Social anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- Feeling highly anxious about being with other people and having a hard time talking to them
- Feeling very self-conscious in front of other people and worried about feeling humiliated, embarrassed, or rejected, or fearful of offending others
- Being very afraid that other people will judge them
- Worrying for days or weeks before an event where other people will be
- Staying away from places where there are other people
- Having a hard time making friends and keeping friends
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling around other people
- Feeling nauseous or sick to your stomach when other people are around
3) Specific phobias:
These are intense fears of a specific object or situation, such as heights or flying. The level of fear is usually inappropriate to the situation and may cause you to avoid common, everyday situations. A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, usually defined as a persistent fear of an object or situation the affected person will go to great lengths to avoid, typically disproportional to the actual danger posed. If the feared object or situation cannot be avoided entirely, the affected person will endure it with marked distress and significant interference in social or occupational activities.
These are intense fears of a specific object or situation, such as heights or flying. The level of fear is usually inappropriate to the situation and may cause you to avoid common, everyday situations. A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, usually defined as a persistent fear of an object or situation the affected person will go to great lengths to avoid, typically disproportional to the actual danger posed. If the feared object or situation cannot be avoided entirely, the affected person will endure it with marked distress and significant interference in social or occupational activities.
Phobias can be caused by different things, such as:
There are different types of phobias:
Natural environment phobias, such as being afraid of storms or lightning
Animal phobias, such as being afraid of spiders or dogs
Blood-injection-injury phobias, such as being afraid of blood or getting a shot (injection)
Situational phobias, such as being afraid of flying, elevators (and other closed spaces), or bridges
Other phobias, such as being afraid of choking or throwing up. Other phobias in children include being afraid of loud noises or characters in costumes, such as clowns.
What are the symptoms of phobias?
The main symptom of a phobia is being more afraid than most people of being around an object, being in a situation, or doing an activity. Even just the thought of these things can cause stress in people who have phobias.
Children show their stress by crying, throwing tantrums, freezing, or clinging to someone else.
- Had something bad happen, such as being bitten by a dog.
- Had a panic attack in a specific situation, such as being in an elevator.
- Saw something bad happen to someone else, such as seeing a person fall off a building.
- Saw someone else who was very scared of something, such as sitting in an airplane near a person who is afraid of flying.
- Learned about something bad happening, such as a plane crash.
There are different types of phobias:
Natural environment phobias, such as being afraid of storms or lightning
Animal phobias, such as being afraid of spiders or dogs
Blood-injection-injury phobias, such as being afraid of blood or getting a shot (injection)
Situational phobias, such as being afraid of flying, elevators (and other closed spaces), or bridges
Other phobias, such as being afraid of choking or throwing up. Other phobias in children include being afraid of loud noises or characters in costumes, such as clowns.
What are the symptoms of phobias?
The main symptom of a phobia is being more afraid than most people of being around an object, being in a situation, or doing an activity. Even just the thought of these things can cause stress in people who have phobias.
Children show their stress by crying, throwing tantrums, freezing, or clinging to someone else.
Adults with phobias know that the amount of fear and worry they feel is more than the danger of being hurt by the object, situation, or activity. Children do not understand this about their phobias.
Many people with phobias are more afraid of being hurt by the object or situation than they are afraid of the object or situation itself. For example, a person might be afraid of traveling in an airplane because he or she is worried that the plane will crash.
People with phobias might be worried about the following things happening when they are around the object or situation they are afraid of:
Many people with phobias are more afraid of being hurt by the object or situation than they are afraid of the object or situation itself. For example, a person might be afraid of traveling in an airplane because he or she is worried that the plane will crash.
People with phobias might be worried about the following things happening when they are around the object or situation they are afraid of:
- Losing control
- Panicking
Feeling physically stressed or afraid, including having a faster heartbeat or having a hard time breathing
Fainting. Many people who have a blood-injection-injury phobia faint when they are around the object of their phobia. For example, a person might faint when he or she has to get a shot.
The amount of worry or fear a person has depends on how close they are to the object, situation, or activity they are afraid of. For example, a person is more afraid of a spider that is on the table in front of him or her than of a spider that is outside a window.
The worry and fear a person has also depend on how easily the person can get away. For example, a person might feel more afraid in an elevator when the doors are shut than when the doors are open.
Fainting. Many people who have a blood-injection-injury phobia faint when they are around the object of their phobia. For example, a person might faint when he or she has to get a shot.
The amount of worry or fear a person has depends on how close they are to the object, situation, or activity they are afraid of. For example, a person is more afraid of a spider that is on the table in front of him or her than of a spider that is outside a window.
The worry and fear a person has also depend on how easily the person can get away. For example, a person might feel more afraid in an elevator when the doors are shut than when the doors are open.
To be diagnosed with a phobia, you will probably have most of the following symptoms:
- You are more afraid than most people of a specific object, situation, or activity.
- You feel stressed or have a panic attack when you are near the object or situation.
- If you are a teenager or adult, you understand that the amount of fear you have about the object or situation is not reasonable.
- You avoid the object, situation, or activity that you are afraid of.
- The fear and stress that you feel make it hard for you to do normal activities such as going to work every day or doing grocery shopping.
- If you are under age 18, you have had symptoms for at least 6 months.
- Your symptoms don't fit another problem, such as panic disorder.
4) Generalized anxiety disorder:
This is excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there's little or nothing to provoke the anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
This is excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there's little or nothing to provoke the anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- Restlessness or feeling wound-up or on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or having their minds go blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
What Are the General Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?
It depends on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include:
It depends on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include:
- Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
- Problems sleeping
- Cold or sweaty hands or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Not being able to be still and calm
- Dry mouth
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Nausea
- Muscle tension
- Dizziness
What Are the Causes of Anxiety Disorders?
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, but anxiety disorders -- like other forms of mental illness -- are not the result of personal weakness, a character flaw, or poor upbringing. As scientists continue their research on mental illness, it is becoming clear that many of these disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain and environmental stress.
Like other brain illnesses, anxiety disorders may be caused by problems in the functioning of brain circuits that regulate fear and other emotions. Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the way nerve cells within these circuits transmit information from one region of the brain to another. Other studies have shown that people with certain anxiety disorders have changes in certain brain structures that control memories linked with strong emotions. In addition, studies have shown that anxiety disorders can run in families, which means that they can at least partly be inherited from one or both parents, similar to the genetic risk for heart disease or cancer.
Moreover, certain environmental factors -- such as a trauma or significant event -- may trigger an anxiety disorder in people who have an inherited susceptibility to developing the disorder.
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, but anxiety disorders -- like other forms of mental illness -- are not the result of personal weakness, a character flaw, or poor upbringing. As scientists continue their research on mental illness, it is becoming clear that many of these disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain and environmental stress.
Like other brain illnesses, anxiety disorders may be caused by problems in the functioning of brain circuits that regulate fear and other emotions. Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the way nerve cells within these circuits transmit information from one region of the brain to another. Other studies have shown that people with certain anxiety disorders have changes in certain brain structures that control memories linked with strong emotions. In addition, studies have shown that anxiety disorders can run in families, which means that they can at least partly be inherited from one or both parents, similar to the genetic risk for heart disease or cancer.
Moreover, certain environmental factors -- such as a trauma or significant event -- may trigger an anxiety disorder in people who have an inherited susceptibility to developing the disorder.
Can Anxiety Disorders Be Prevented?
Anxiety disorders cannot be prevented; however, there are some things you can do to control or lessen symptoms:
How Are Anxiety Disorders Treated?
Fortunately, much progress has been made in the last two decades in the treatment of people with mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders.
Although the exact treatment approach depends on the type of disorder, one or a combination of the following therapies may be used for most anxiety disorders:
Homeopathic Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Chronic anxiety disorders can benefit by treatment from a trained homeopath. But for short episodes of transient, self-limited anxiety, you can use the appropriate remedies.
Aconite is the medication of choice if your anxiety is the result of a sudden fright or shock.
If you are grief stricken (such as when one of your loved ones die), the homeopath may give you ignatia.
In situations such as stage fright and other anticipatory and performance anxiety, gelsemium is recommended.
If you have anxiety accompanied by diarrhea, gelsemium is the preferred choice. Other homeopathic remedies are described below.
The following remedies may be useful to you in treating symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety disorders cannot be prevented; however, there are some things you can do to control or lessen symptoms:
- Stop or reduce consumption of products that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms.
- Seek counselling and support if you start to regularly feel anxious with no apparent cause.
How Are Anxiety Disorders Treated?
Fortunately, much progress has been made in the last two decades in the treatment of people with mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders.
Although the exact treatment approach depends on the type of disorder, one or a combination of the following therapies may be used for most anxiety disorders:
- Medication : Drugs used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders include many antidepressants, certain anticonvulsant medicines and low-dose antipsychotics, and other anxiety-reducing drugs.
- Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy (a type of counseling) addresses the emotional response to mental illness. It is a process in which trained mental health professionals help people by talking through strategies for understanding and dealing with their disorder.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This is a particular type of psychotherapy in which the person learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings.
- Dietary and lifestyle changes
- Relaxation therapy
Homeopathic Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Chronic anxiety disorders can benefit by treatment from a trained homeopath. But for short episodes of transient, self-limited anxiety, you can use the appropriate remedies.
Aconite is the medication of choice if your anxiety is the result of a sudden fright or shock.
If you are grief stricken (such as when one of your loved ones die), the homeopath may give you ignatia.
In situations such as stage fright and other anticipatory and performance anxiety, gelsemium is recommended.
If you have anxiety accompanied by diarrhea, gelsemium is the preferred choice. Other homeopathic remedies are described below.
The following remedies may be useful to you in treating symptoms of anxiety.
ACONITE NAPELLUS
A panic attack that comes on suddenly with very strong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy. A state of immense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing of the face.
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ARGENTUM NITRICUM
This remedy is indicated when anxiety develops before a big event. (Examples: an interview for job, an exam, a public speech, social engagement, marriage, etc.).
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ARSENICUM
This remedy is recommended for people who are deeply anxious about their health, and extremely concerned with order and security. Panic attacks often occur around midnight or the very early hours of the morning. The person may feel exhausted yet still be restless-fidgeting, pacing, and anxiously moving from place to place. These people may also have digestive problems or asthma attacks accompanied by anxiety. They are typically obsessive about small details and very neat. They may feel a desperate need to be in control of everything.
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CALCAREA CARBONICA
People who benefit most from this remedy have a chilly constitution. The slightest cold "goes right through them." They have trouble keeping themselves warm. They have a craving for sweets, and are easily fatigued. They are dependable, solid people who become overwhelmed from physical illness or too much work and start to fear a breakdown. Their thoughts can be muddled and confused when tired, which adds to the anxiety. Worry and bad news may agitate them, and a nagging dread of disaster (to themselves or others) may develop. Fear of heights and claustrophobia are also common.
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GELSEMIUM
This remedy is indicated when you have feelings of weakness, trembling, and mental dullness (being "paralyzed by fear"). It is also useful when a person experiences anxiety about an upcoming event such as stage-fright about a public performance or interview, or anxiety before a test, impending visit to the dentist, or other stressful events. Chills, perspiration, diarrhea, and headaches will often occur with nervousness. Fear of crowds, a fear of falling, and even a fear that the heart might stop are other indications for Gelsemium.
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KALI PHOSPHORICUM
Indicated when a person has been exhausted by overwork or illness. Feels a deep anxiety and inability to cope. Jumpy and oversensitive. May be startled by ordinary sounds. Hearing unpleasant news or thinking of world events can aggravate the problems. Insomnia and an inability to concentrate may develop, increasing the sense of nervous dread. Eating, warmth, and rest often bring relief.
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NATRUM MURIATICUM
The primary candidates for this remedy are personally aloof but have a social conscience and a desire to help others. Deep emotions and a self-protective shyness can make these people seem reserved, aloof, and private. Even when feeling lonely, they tend to stay away from social situations, not knowing what to say or do. Easily hurt and offended, they can brood, bear grudges, dwell on unhappy feelings, and isolate themselves. They refuse consolation even when they want it. They are often sympathetic listeners to other people's problems. Claustrophobia, anxiety at night (with fears of robbers or intruders), migraines, and insomnia are often seen when this remedy is needed.
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PULSATILLA
People who need this remedy often express anxiety as insecurity and clinginess, with a need for constant support and comforting. They fear being alone. They are easily discouraged, moody, tearful, whiny, even emotionally childish. Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room often increases anxiety. Anxiety around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) often is helped with Pulsatilla.
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SILICEA
Indicated for those who are capable and serious, yet are also nervous, shy, and subject to bouts of temporary loss of confidence. Anxiety can be extreme when they are faced with a public appearance, interview, examination, or any new job or task. Worry and overwork can bring on headaches, difficulty concentrating, and states of exhaustion, oversensitivity, and dread.
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Bibliography:
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety_disorder
https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety
http://hpathy.com/cause-symptoms-treatment/homeopathic-cure-of-anxiety/
http://homeopathyplus.com/anxiety-and-panic-attacks-tamed-by-homeopathy/
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety_disorder
https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety
http://hpathy.com/cause-symptoms-treatment/homeopathic-cure-of-anxiety/
http://homeopathyplus.com/anxiety-and-panic-attacks-tamed-by-homeopathy/