What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness and involve excessive fear or anxiety. Anxiety in particular also refers to anticipation of a future concern and is associated more with muscle tension and avoidance behavior. Anxiety disorders can cause people to avoid situations and places that might cause them to feel trapped, helpless, panicking, embarrassed, and scared. Job performance, school work, and personal relationships can be affected. Anxiety disorder is the most common of mental disorders affecting majority of population. For people who have Anxiety, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming. Anxiety is a serious mental illness, but proper treatment helps most people lead normal and productive lives. Anxiety can affect your ability to concentrate, sleep and carry out ordinary tasks at work, home or school. Physical symptoms are common and include shortness of breath, a pounding heart and trembling hands.

Symptoms

What are the causes of Anxiety?

Researchers don't know exactly what brings on anxiety disorders. Like other forms of mental illness, they stem from a combination of things, including changes in your brain and environmental stress, and even your genes. The disorders can run in families and could be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and other emotions.

For some people, anxiety may be linked to an underlying health issue. In some cases, anxiety signs and symptoms are the first indicators of a medical illness. If your doctor suspects your anxiety may have a medical cause, he or she may order tests to look for signs of a problem.

Examples of medical problems that can be linked to anxiety include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism
• Respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
• Drug abuse or withdrawal
• Withdrawal from alcohol, anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) or other medications
• Chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome
• Rare tumors that produce certain "fight-or-flight" hormones

Sometimes anxiety can be a side effect of certain medications.

It's possible that your anxiety may be due to an underlying medical condition if:

• You don't have any blood relatives (such as a parent or sibling) with an anxiety disorder
• You didn't have an anxiety disorder as a child
• You don't avoid certain things or situations because of anxiety
• You have a sudden occurrence of anxiety that seems unrelated to life events and you didn't have a previous history of anxiety

Treatment

What is the cost for the treatment of Anxiety in India?

Which specialty of doctor is to be consulted for the treatment of Anxiety in India?

• Psychiatrist or a psychologist is to be consulted for the treatment of Anxiety in India.

Which hospital is to be preferred for the treatment of Anxiety in India?

• Medanta - The Medicity hospital in India is to be preferred for the treatment of Anxiety in India.

FAQ's

1. What are the symptoms related to Anxiety?

All anxiety disorders share one major symptom, which is severe or persistent fear and worry. Common symptoms of anxiety might include:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Restlessness or trouble concentrating
• Feeling completely blank
• Pounding heart, and sweating
• Headaches, upset stomach, or dizziness
• Frequent urination or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue or insomnia

2. Who is at risk for Anxiety?

These factors may increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder:

• Trauma.

  Children who endured abuse or trauma or witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder at some point in life. Adults who experience a traumatic event also can develop anxiety disorders.

• Stress due to an illness

  Having a health condition or serious illness can cause significant worry about issues such as your treatment and your future.

• Stress buildup

  A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety - for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances.

• Personality

  People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.

• Other mental health disorders

  People with other mental health disorders, such as depression, often also have an anxiety disorder.

• Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder

  Anxiety disorders can run in families.

• Drugs or alcohol

  Drug or alcohol use or abuse or withdrawal can cause or worsen anxiety.

3. What are the possible ways to prevent Anxiety?

The following preventive measures can help save you from anxiety:

• Reduce intake of caffeine
• Indulge in healthy lifestyle
• Avoid substances like alcohol and tobacco
• Keep yourself fit by exercising
• Make time for a hobby

4. How is anxiety treated?

The most accurate approach of anxiety treatment depends upon the kind of disorder. Following are the therapies that can be used for anxiety:

• Medication

  Antidepressants, medicines of an anticonvulsant nature, and antipsychotics are used to lessen the symptoms of anxiety disorders.

• Psychotherapy

  Psychotherapy refers to an exercise of counselling that will address the psychological response to any mental disease or anxiety.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

  Cognitive behavioral therapy is a specific kind of psychotherapy where the person gets to identify and alter his/her pattern of thoughts that leads to feelings of distress.

• Changes in the diet and lifestyle

  Changes in the diet and lifestyle will help because the kind of food you eat and the exercise you do determines your mind state. Hence switching to a healthier lifestyle will affect your mental health in a positive way.

• Relaxation Therapy

  Relaxation therapy helps a lot because it relaxes the body and furthers help the person to be normal.