It's natural to feel both angry and anxious from time to time. This is especially true if you are going through stressful life events such as relationship or financial problems. Sometimes anger can provoke feelings of anxiety. It's also possible to become angry about the sometimes debilitating effects of chronic anxiety. Treatments are available for persistent problems with anger and anxiety.
Anger
Chronic anger can take its toll both physically and emotionally. People with anger issues may exhibit out-of-control behaviors such as throwing or breaking things, driving carelessly or getting into trouble with the law.
Anger Study
Continuous feelings of anger can be difficult on your heart. Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine followed 1,055 medical students for 36 years. They concluded that those who were easily angered were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack by the time they reached 55 than the more carefree participants. The findings of the study were published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" in April 2002.
Anxiety
The Mayo Clinic says it's possible to developed generalized anxiety order (GAO) as a child or in adulthood. A person suffering from an anxiety condition may be panicky, constantly fearful and continuously on edge. Other common symptoms of GAO include restlessness, irritability, trembling, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and fatigue.
Anxiety & Depression
Depression and anxiety are so closely tied that that it can be difficult to know where one begins and the other one ends, according to "Psychology Today." It is common to feel, nervous, restless and on edge when you are depressed. Depression and anxiety can play off of each other. For example, fear that can be invoked by anxiety may magnify the feelings of hopelessness often felt in depression.
Depression & Anger
Anger can also be a symptom of depression. This is especially true among depressed teenagers, according to HelpGuide.org. A depressed adolescent may become hostile and be quick to lose his temper. When teen depression goes untreated it can lead to self-hatred, drug abuse, suicide and homicide.
Medications
Anger and anxiety are often treated with antidepressant medications including tricyclic antidepressants (amytriptyline, amoxapine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (isocarboxazid, phenelzine sulfate) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs such as fluoxetine and sertraline). In some cases, anti-anxiety drugs or tranquilizers known as benzodiazepines are prescribed.
Outlook
The Mayo Clinic offers several suggestions for dealing with anger and anxiety. Relaxation techniques such as slow and deliberate abdominal breathing may help reduce anxiety. Regular aerobic exercise, adequate sleep and supportive relationships may also have calming effects. Individuals with chronic anger may also benefit by learning to relax and by being able to laugh at oneself and see humor in situations. In some cases professional therapy may be needed to treat feelings of anger and anxiety.
