Mental Health: Classifications, Signs, Roots, Therapies for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety, a natural stress response, is characterized by fear or apprehension about the future. Persistent anxiety can indicate an anxiety disorder, the most common emotional disorder affecting anyone. Main types include phobias, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia, and agoraphobia. Symptoms may include chest pain, choking feeling, fear of losing control, impending doom, sweating, chills, hot flashes, shaking, numbness, nausea, shortness of breath, and more.
Anxiety causes are unknown but may involve personality traits, genetics, life history, medical history, stimulants, and brain function. While alcohol can temporarily alleviate anxiety, it may worsen it upon metabolization. Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, regular exercise, mindfulness, meditation, minimizing alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking, and other tobacco products can help manage anxiety.
If anxiety persists for at least 6 months and interferes with life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Diagnosis involves physical examinations, mental health tests, and psychological questionnaires. Therapy options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Benzodiazepines like diazepam and clonazepam may be prescribed for short-term relief but carry a high risk of dependence. Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may also be prescribed. Buspirone, a medication less likely to cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms, may be used on an as-needed basis.
Recent research suggests certain foods like flax and chia seeds, fatty fish, turmeric, vitamin D, magnesium, and tryptophan may benefit the brain for those frequently experiencing anxiety. Although anxiety usually doesn't disappear, it can be managed, and one can live a happy, healthy life. Anxiety disorders can be treated, even in severe cases, and it's crucial to seek help if struggling with anxiety.
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