Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress that helps people deal with difficult situations. Patients with anxiety disorders experience anxiety symptoms that cause distress and interfere with normal life. The five major types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia. Anxiety may cause physical effects.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
During an episode of anxiety, the body prepares itself to deal with the stressful condition by increasing blood flow to the major muscle groups. Blood flow to the digestive tract is reduced, which leads to decreased digestion and absorption of food. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, indigestion, constipation and teeth grinding, Patients with chronic anxiety due to long-term exposure to stressful situations may develop stomach ulcers due to increased stomach acid secretion.
Nervous System Symptoms
Patients with severe anxiety and anxiety disorders display neurological symptoms such as dizziness, increased heart rate, headache, sweating, flushed face, cold or sweaty hands, muscle tension, irritability, restlessness, chest pain, increased breathing rate, shortness of breath, heart palpations, increased blood pressure, trembling, dilation of pupils, numbness and tingling of hands and feet, bad dreams, ringing in the ears, insomnia and frequent urination.
Immunological Symptoms
Patients with anxiety are at increased risk for frequent infections. Anxiety lowers the body's immune system functioning. The immune system protects the body from invading pathogens. Patients with incrreased anxiety may experience frequent colds, slow healing wounds and skin infections such as acne. Patients with anxiety may experience a worsening of medical conditions.
Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety disorders are treated using a combination of therapies. Medications for anxiety include anxiety-reducing medications. Antidepressants are also used to treat severe anxiety and anxiety disorders. Doctors also recommend patients to undergo cognitive behavioural therapy and relaxation therapy. Dietary modifications can also help reduce anxiety symptoms. Patients are advised to avoid caffeinated beverages because they worsen anxiety symptoms.
