Someone in a chronic state of anxiety most likely suffers from generalized anxiety disorder. The person may worry daily or almost everyday about personal health issues, work-related difficulties, family problems, financial matters and other concerns that are exaggerated in the person's mind. Other anxiety disorders usually do not occur as often and involve particular situations, such as phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Types
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic anxiety because of exaggerated worries or tension, even though there is nothing or very little to provoke the feelings, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH. Phobias may cause fears about flying, being closed in or other dreaded situations. Panic attacks strike suddenly and cause physical discomfort from fears of being out of control. Obsessive-compulsive disorder causes people to have unwanted thoughts that make them perform compulsive behaviors, such as repeatedly washing hands or re-checking objects. Post-traumatic stress disorder stems from a terrifying event in the past that brings back memories when a person experiences a similar situation.
Identification
A diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder occurs when someone exhibits excessive worrying about ordinary problems for at least six months, according to the NIMH. Some people may even recognize their concerns are overblown, but cannot get rid of the anxiety.
Effects
A chronic state of anxiety can lead to insomnia, fatigue, headaches and muscle tension or aches. Other physical symptoms that arise from chronic anxiety include trembling, twitching, sweating, irritability, nausea and lightheadedness. Patients may experience shortness of breath, hot flashes or difficulty swallowing.
Function
Chronic anxiety can interfere with simple tasks and daily activities when the disorder is severe, the NIMH says. Patients with mild forms of the disorder still manage to function normally in social and work situations despite their worries. People who go through a chronic state of anxiety may also suffer from depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders.
Expert Insight
The cause of chronic anxiety is not fully understood, but genetic factors may be involved. People with generalized anxiety disorder may have irregular levels of neurotransmitters that carry signals across nerve endings in the brain, according to Mental Health Channel. Chronic anxiety patients may fear suffering negative consequences when not knowing how to respond to certain situations. Hesitation and inaction may result in anxiety.
Prevention/Solution
Chronic anxiety and other anxiety disorders are treatable through therapy and medication, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Counselors help patients understand the reasons behind their anxieties and ways to confront and overcome them. People in a chronic state of anxiety learn to turn negative thinking into positive thoughts. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are among the medications used in treatment.
