Anxiety: Definition, Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Anxiety is a natural stress response that is characterized by fear, unease, and worry. It can respond to a specific situation, trauma, or trigger. In clinical terms, anxiety can form a group of disorders that include generalized anxiety disorder (GDA), panic disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, phobias, separation anxiety, agoraphobia, selective mutism, and medication-induced anxiety disorder 

The symptoms of anxiety can include a high pulse rate, lack of sleep or restlessness, trembling, and lack of concentration. Multiple reasons can cause anxiety, like brain chemistry, personality traits, life experiences, or a combination.

The most common treatment options for anxiety are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety. However, managing thoughts and patterns and lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper sleep, mindful practices, and meditation can also help relieve anxiety.  

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety refers to a group of disorders (anxiety disorders) characterized by constant and excessive feelings of fear, dread, or worry. These disorders can harm daily activities, relationships, academic lives, or work. Anxiety is usually a sudden feeling and response that makes an individual alert and uneasy. However, if it is persistent, it becomes a challenge to an individual’s well-being.

According to an article written by Adam Felman for Medical News Today, anxiety is a natural emotion that can have physical symptoms and is diagnosed as excessive nervousness, worry, or stress. According to this article, around 40 million people in the United States have anxiety. However, only 36.9% seek treatment or help.

DSM-5 explains anxiety as an apprehensive expression of worry and fear for days or even months creating a disturbance or havoc in your day-to-day activities.

What are the types of anxiety?

The common types of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder (GDA), panic disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, phobias, separation anxiety, agoraphobia, selective mutism, and medication-induced anxiety disorder.

These types of anxiety are described below:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is a condition with repetitive behaviors and persistent unwanted thoughts that an individual feels compelled to perform. This obsession and compulsion can interfere with daily activities. 
• Generalized anxiety disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder is a type in which people tend to worry a lot about various aspects of life, like work, relationships, finances, family, etc. This persistent thought pattern is difficult to control, leading to distress. GDA can show physical symptoms like muscle aches, sleeplessness, fatigue, headache, and muscle tension. 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after an individual goes through a traumatic experience. Traumas like sexual assaults, natural disasters, serious accidents, loss of a loved one, or horror can lead to PTSD. This can lead to intrusive memories or nightmares and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
• Phobia: According to an article written by Yvette Brazier for Medical News Today, a phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes an individual to experience fear or irritability due to a situation, object, place, or living creature. In reaction, the individual tends to have avoidant behavior about things that they think are dangerous. 
• Panic disorder: Panic disorder is a kind of anxiety disorder in which a person experiences frequent panic attacks. Panic attacks often occur without any warning signs and cause significant distress. Physical symptoms include chest pain, discomfort, nausea, feelings of choking, numbness and tight sensation, lightheadedness, and fear of losing control. 
• Separation anxiety: In an article Written by Rachel Nall in 2023, separation anxiety is when someone fears being apart or losing a person. Although it is widespread in children, adults can experience separation anxiety as well. Physical symptoms of separation anxiety include headache, chest pain, and nausea. 
• Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is fear or avoidance of a situation or place, like open spaces, public transport, or being outside the home. Usually, people with agoraphobia go to great lengths to avoid situations that trigger them.
• Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety disorder is the intense fear of being judged or being rejected by the public. It is a chronic condition that can hurt an individual’s personality. Physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder include blushing, feeling embarrassed, humiliated, and challenged self-worth.
• Selective mutism: Selective mutism can often be confused with typical shyness, but a person faces difficulty speaking in different settings. It is mostly common in children and can impact their academic performance and confidence.
• Medication-induced anxiety disorder: It is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs due to direct exposure to medicines or substances. The condition can cause serious stress and dysfunction in daily life. Thyroid medications, drugs like cocaine, antidepressants, and even caffeine can cause medication-induced anxiety disorder.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety?

The common signs and symptoms of anxiety include physical symptoms, feeling panic or fear, obsessive thoughts, and gastrointestinal issues.

These warning signs of anxiety are described below.

• Physical symptoms: Physical symptoms such as increased heartbeat, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, muscle tension, and sweaty hands are common in people with anxiety. 
• Feeling Panic or Fear: Constant worrying and thinking about worst-case scenarios and feeling panic or fear are common signs of anxiety.
• Obsessive Thoughts: Obsessive thoughts are often irritable and irrational regarding anxiety. Unwanted thoughts and images cloud the minds of individuals and are often distressing. People with anxiety also feel a compulsion to do things repetitively. 
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Gut issues are influenced by poor mental health conditions because the brain and the gut are closely connected. Therefore, anxiety can trigger gastrointestinal problems. A few examples can be diarrhea, constipation, acidity, cramps, bloating, and irritable bowel movements.
• Fatigue or easily getting tired: Fatigue and feeling chronically tired even after complete rest can be due to the mental and physical effects of anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep patterns due to racing thoughts or physical discomfort related to anxiety are common signs.

What are the Causes of Anxiety?

The causes of anxiety can be a mixture of chemical imbalances, genetics, and environmental factors.

Let’s discuss some major causes in detail to have a better understanding

• Chemical Imbalance: According to an article written by Jacquelyn Cafasso in 2023, a chemical imbalance can not lead to depression, anxiety, or any mental illnesses. There is no scientific proof of the correlation between the chemical imbalance and the stress. Chemical imbalance, however, has an impact on the mood which can affect the already present anxiety symptoms.
• Genetic Factors: According to research conducted at the University of Queensland, Australia it is found that genetics play a huge role in the prevalence of anxiety in children. The genetics of 64,641 children, aged between 3 and 18 years, were analyzed in this research. The research found that children had almost the same level of anxiety as their parents.
• Environmental Factors: According to research conducted at the University of Cambridge, parents’ behavior towards children plays a huge role in developing anxiety among children. It can have a short or long-term impact on the minds of the children. Through this study, we can safely say that the environment does play a vital role in developing anxiety among children.

How does anxiety affect your brain?

Anxiety significantly impacts the brain by over-activating the amygdala, shrinking the hippocampus, and impairing the prefrontal cortex, leading to difficulties in learning, memory, concentration, and decision-making. It causes neurotransmitter imbalances and chronic stress hormone release, which can damage brain cells and reduce neuroplasticity, increasing the risk of mental disorders. Managing anxiety through regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, mindfulness, and professional therapy can prevent these effects and improve mental health.

What is the difference between Anxiety and Depression?

Anxiety is a mental illness that comes with a sense of fear and worry. On the other hand, depression is a state of long-term sadness. In some cases, depression and anxiety can coexist or overlap symptoms. Anxiety revolves around constant threats whereas depression is a state of emptiness, loneliness, and sadness.

What is the difference between Anxiety and Stress? 

Anxiety and stress are two distinguished mental states. Stress occurs due to various types of pressure, like indulging in an argument, a heavy workload, or poor financial conditions. On the other hand, anxiety can develop due to internal and external factors. Stress can trigger anxiety but plays no role in its development. 

What is the difference between anxiety and PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur due to going through traumatic experiences in life. Its symptoms include nightmares and flashbacks. On the other hand, anxiety develops through genetic and environmental factors and has different symptoms. PTSD can develop due to a memory whereas anxiety can have a spectrum of multiple reasons.

Can anxiety kill you?

Although anxiety is not fatal, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues or hypertension. It can also weaken the immune system and impact overall health. Seeking appropriate treatment can promote overall well-being. 

Is Anxiety a disease?

Anxiety is not a disease but rather a chronic disorder. It is commonly known as generalized anxiety disorder which is a pathological condition. Effective treatments like medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies can prevent anxiety.

Is anxiety disorder included in the DSM-5?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, anxiety is a mental health condition that is characterized by excessive fear or worry that impacts daily lives. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by a wide spectrum of phobias, panic attacks, and social anxiety. DSM-5 characterizes a framework used by mental health professionals to identify appropriate approaches for treatment. 

Is Anxiety Genetic?

Yes, there is strong evidence that anxiety can be genetic. Different researches indicate that individuals with anxiety have a family history of such components. However, genetics alone does not play. Anxiety is usually paired with external factors or chemical imbalances. 

Is Anxiety a choice?

No, anxiety is not a choice but a complex mental health issue that needs care, attention, and prompt treatment. Biological, physical, and emotional factors play a role in developing it. People with anxiety have no control over their anxious nature.

What are the Treatment Options Available for Anxiety?

The treatment options available for anxiety are Medications, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,  Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Counseling, and Mindfulness Techniques. These treatments often work in combinations suggested by healthcare providers.

Let’s discuss these treatment options.

Medications

Medications mainly help with balancing the brain chemistry to help individuals manage serotonin and norepinephrine (brain chemicals), which can improve mood. Medicines like Benzodiazepines help calm the mind, and beta-blockers address physical symptoms such as a high heart rate. However, medications can make a person feel dizzy, nauseous, and sedated. They can also have weight fluctuations, risk of dependency, and withdrawal symptoms. Usually, medications are taken for 2 to 6 weeks but it may vary from person to person. 

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short and structured form of psychotherapy that helps individuals manage anxiety and negative thought patterns and behavior. CBT helps individuals learn self-help and cope with the symptoms of anxiety. However, it might take a lot of time, cost, consistency, and commitment. Finding the right therapist is also important to get the best out of CBT. It requires 12 to 20 weeks of CBT to achieve desired results.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses more on the physiological aspect of the treatment. The advantage of this treatment type is to manage co-occurring conditions. Although DBT is a very beneficial way of overcoming anxiety, it requires time, commitment, and a highly skilled therapist to work effectively. DBT roughly takes 6 months to a year to work.

Counseling

Counseling helps the individual identify the root cause of anxiety and identify emotional and psychological challenges. It helps lift the emotional baggage that one has, promotes self-awareness, and regulates emotions. Although counseling can be of great benefit, some people find it hard to talk about their feelings initially. It requires 30 to 60 minutes of sessions weekly around 8 to 12 times to finally see some positive results.  

Mindfulness Techniques 

Mindfulness techniques focus more on deep breathing exercises. These techniques promote mindfulness, self-awareness, and regulation of emotions. Mindfulness techniques have no side effects. However, they can not be the only cure for anxiety. Usually, mindfulness techniques are used in combination with other treatments like psychotherapies and medications. One should practice mindfulness techniques 10 to 20 minutes a day or whenever required to manage anxiety symptoms.

Is It Possible to Prevent Anxiety?

No, there are no possible or proven ways to prevent anxiety. However, there are strategies to reduce the likelihood of developing it. A healthy lifestyle, stress management, therapeutic Interventions, and support networks can help you reduce the risk of anxiety.