The Surgeon General of the United States reports that as more research is done on general anxiety disorders, causes and treatments are becoming clearer and more effective. While a clear cause of the condition in its many forms is not definitive, studies show that most anxiety disorders are a result of past life experiences, psychological tendencies and genetics.
Basic Instinct
Many of the symptoms and predictors of anxiety disorder are based in the human composition, reports the Surgeon General. Humans' built-in fight or flight responses are responsible for much of the physical reactions people have to fearful and traumatic events. These physical reactions become exaggerated when other factors are present, such as a stressful childhood or recent traumatic experiences. Coupled with a genetic tendency to overreact, anxiety disorders and mental illness can develop.
Illness
Mental illness develops when anxiety disorders go untreated and begin to interfere with daily life. Symptoms often displayed by those with anxiety disorder include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behavior and social anxiety. People suffering from severe anxiety disorder become easily agitated for no apparent reason and show signs of weight loss, lack of appetite and irritability. They begin to isolate and distance themselves from family, friends, work and any social encounters. They worry all the time about how others will see them and what might happen in the future.
Medication
Medication is available to treat the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Many of the drugs used for anxiety are similar to those utilized to treat other mental disorders such as depression and bipolar disease. Benzodiazepine, though not recommended for long-term use, can be effective in treating patients for short-term anxiety attacks. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for people who have anxiety associated with depressive tendencies, those with social phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. Often beta-blockers are used to reduce the physical symptoms of the disorder that may include racing heart palpitations and tremors.
Therapy
Whether patients take a prescription medication or not, therapy is highly recommended for people suffering from anxiety disorder. Behavioral therapy can assist patients in finding new ways to cope and act in situations that seem to trigger an anxiety attack. Group therapy has proven successful as patients can practice their social skills in a safe environment while meeting others who share their condition. Relaxation techniques can help as well as education so patients can better understand their own behavior.
Self-Help
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends learning how to control the symptoms of anxiety when they hit through deep breathing techniques and exercise in tandem with the medical advice and therapy provide by healthcare providers. They offer mental exercises to their patients such as setting aside 30 minutes per day to worry about anything that comes into the person's mind. After choosing a subject, the patient must then look at the topic realistically, figure out what can be done about the situation and then let it go after the time is up.
