An anxiety disorder may also be diagnosed if you have general feelings of fear or worry that interfere with your daily life and that have lasted at least six months. Most people with an anxiety disorder have a combination of physical and psychological symptoms. There are a number of anxiety disorders, and each one has unique symptoms, but there’s one symptom they all have in common: near-constant fear or worry about things that may happen now or in the future. Read on to learn what the symptoms are and how anxiety disorders are diagnosed.
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?
Psychological symptoms may include:
Feelings of apprehension or dreadRestlessness or irritabilityFeeling tense or jumpyAnticipating the worstConstantly watching for signs of danger
Physical symptoms may include:
Rapid or pounding heartbeatShortness of breathExcessive sweatingTremors or twitchesHeadacheFatigue or weaknessInsomniaNausea or upset stomachFrequent urination or diarrhea
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety or Panic Attacks?
Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rateSweatingTrembling or shakingSensations of shortness of breath or smotheringFeelings of chokingChest pain or discomfortNausea or abdominal distressFeeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faintChills or heat sensationsParasthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)Fear of losing control or “going crazy”Fear of dying
If your panic attacks are recurring, you will likely be diagnosed with panic disorder. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that’s characterized by persistent worry about future panic attacks or their consequences. Noah Clyman, a licensed clinical social worker and the director of NYC Cognitive Therapy, a private psychotherapy practice in New York City, says that panic attacks do not have to be feared. “By learning to correctly interpret bodily sensations and not relate to them as dangerous,” he says, “your fear level can go down.” RELATED: When Anxiety Becomes a Disorder
When Are Anxiety Symptoms Not a Sign of Anxiety?
Some of the physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder may be symptoms of other medical conditions, such as:
Heart diseaseHyperthyroidismDepressionLyme diseaseAlzheimer’s diseaseParkinson’s disease
Anxiety often coexists with other chronic health conditions, including:
DiabetesHIV/AIDSHepatitis CMultiple sclerosisRheumatoid arthritis
Researchers are not sure why anxiety and conditions like these occur together, but one explanation may be that the stress of dealing with a chronic illness could contribute to developing a mood disorder. It could also be that anxiety is a precursor to the kind of cognitive decline at the center of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. It’s important to see your doctor if any changes in your mood or health are concerning you. Your doctor can help you determine what disorder or medical condition you may be suffering from, and what assistance you might need. RELATED: 7 Causes of Anxiety
How Is an Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
Here’s what you can expect when you visit your doctor.
Your doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your symptoms.Your doctor may perform a physical exam and order lab tests to rule out other health problems.If no other health problems are found, your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to make a diagnosis.A psychiatrist or psychologist will identify the specific type of anxiety disorder that’s causing your symptoms.This doctor will also look for any other mental health conditions that you may be experiencing, including depression.
What Makes Anxiety Symptoms Worse?
Caffeine, alcohol, and some over-the-counter cold medicines — particularly decongestants — can amplify and aggravate anxiety symptoms. Additional reporting by Carlene Bauer.
