Signs and Symptoms and Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are many diverse types of anxiety disorders such as general anxiety disorder, selective mutism, social anxiety disorder, substance induced and panic disorder just to name a few. They all share some of the same symptoms with each other but have some characteristics unique to themselves. But the common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder include feeling nervous, restlessness, tension, having a sense of impending doom, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, sweating, trembling, feeling weak, trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, difficulty controlling worry and avoiding situations that triggers anxiety (Mayo Clinic, 2018). The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood. Events such as trauma can be a trigger, but genetics can also be a factor (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Medical problems such as cardiovascular, respiratory problems, drug and alcohol abuse, withdrawal, and pain can also trigger anxiety. Some of the risk factors are trauma, stress, and other mental health comorbidities such as depression.

Pharmacological Treatment

The first line of defense for anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (Garakani et al, 2001). A meta-analysis stated that most SSRIs and SNRIs were more successful than placebo in generalized anxiety disorder, with escitalopram and duloxetine potentially having the largest effect sizes (Garakani et al, 2001). These medications are well-tolerated, with short-lived but manageable side effects like nausea, headache, dry mouth, diarrhea, or constipation. Sexual dysfunction is a more durable and problematic side effect of SSRIs and SNRIs, but these side effects can be controlled with adjunctive care. There is a possibility of patients developing jitteriness and anxiety, because of initial surge of serotonin. Although this anxiety can be controlled by slower adjustment rate or the supplemental use of benzodiazepines.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment

Some of the non-pharmacological treatments can include cognitive behavior therapy. According to Therapist Aid, “cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has become the leading treatment for anxiety.” Research indicates that CBT can be a successful treatment for anxiety after as few as eight sessions. It can have a successful rate with or without pharmacological intervention (Therapist Aid, 2016). Some other treatments can include dietary restrictions such as limiting caffeine, eating a balanced diet, avoiding foods high in sugar (including sodas that can be high in caffeine and sugar) and processed foods. Limiting alcohol and nicotine can be beneficial to managing anxiety as well (Therapist Aid, 2016). Drinking more water, getting adequate rest and exercise helps to manage anxiety, also meditation and relaxation techniques such as yoga are extremely beneficial to anxiety reduction.

Resources

There are many different resources that a person can use to get help, education, and inspiration for hope against debilitating anxiety. One of the resources called Sanity Break is a site where people share how they cope with anxiety. Organizations like The National Alliance on Mental Illness and The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, The Division of Mental Health conducts studies and can offer insight on coping mechanisms. There are stigmas that impede therapy for Black American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, and Indigenous communities. There are organizations such as The Asian Mental Health Collective and The Black Mental Health Alliance. According to Bennington-Castro et al the Inclusive Therapists was created to “center the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and the LGBTQIA2S+ community” while respecting the neurodiversity spectrum and advocating for mental health care accessibility for people with disabilities or disabled people.”  The drugs to treat anxiety disorders may not be affordable to some patients so programs like Good Rx, Medical Assistance Tool, Needy Meds, Together Rx Access, and Social Security are viable options to help patients get the medications they need for successful treatment (Bennington-Castro et al, 2021).

References

Bennington-Castro, J., Vaughn, L., Pugle, M., Upham, B., Konkel, L., Bennington-Castro, J., Chant, I., & Fletcher, J. (2021, April 8). Anxiety resources. EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/anxiety/guide/resources/

Garakani, A., Murrough, J. W., Freire, R. C., Thom, R. P., Larkin, K., Buono, F. D., & Iosifescu, D. V. (1AD, January 1). Pharmacot