There are weeks when your thoughts won't stop: work, money, a conversation you replay in your head at night. This isn't necessarily a disorder, but there is a state in which anxiety stops being a reaction to events and becomes a background that persists for months. A disorder is more likely if anxiety is present most of the time and interferes with everyday life.
Anxiety as a normal reaction
Anxiety is a feeling of unease that can range from mild to severe and includes worry and fear. Panic is the most acute form of anxiety. Sometimes it is a natural response to a stressful or dangerous situation, and most people feel anxious from time to time. On its own, such anxiety does not mean a disorder.
When anxiety becomes a disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is discussed when a person frequently feels intense anxiety about many different things. The main symptom is a feeling of stress or worry that affects daily life and is hard to control. The likelihood of a disorder is higher if anxiety is present most of the time, interferes with ordinary activities, and persists for at least six months.
There is usually no obvious cause, but the risk is higher with another anxiety disorder, close relatives with anxiety disorders or depression, a history of stressful or traumatic events, a long-term pain condition, and a history of drug or alcohol use. The disorder occurs more often in women than in men.
Physical symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety doesn't live only in your thoughts. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include difficulty sleeping, restlessness, irritability, trouble concentrating, rapid fatigue, a feeling of tension, stomach problems, noticeable or unusual heartbeat, dizziness, and low mood.
Neuroses may be accompanied by pain in the heart area, headache, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Panic attack
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense thoughts and physical sensations that can arise very quickly and without an obvious cause. It can be very frightening, but it is not dangerous and does not cause physical harm. Most attacks last from 5 to 20 minutes, and some up to an hour.
During a panic attack, the following occur:
- rapid heartbeat and a feeling of shortness of breath;
- trembling, sweating, hot flashes or chills;
- dizziness, nausea, numbness;
- a feeling of terror or fear of death.
A person with panic disorder experiences such attacks regularly and gradually begins to avoid situations in which they fear a new attack. Many symptoms of panic — rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, numbness, a feeling of terror or fear of death — can also be signs of other conditions. That is why interpreting them on your own is risky.
How it is diagnosed
The diagnosis is made by a doctor after a conversation: they ask about worries, physical symptoms, and their frequency and duration. Honest answers, even when talking about emotions is difficult, help confirm or rule out a disorder. Sometimes a physical examination is needed to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Where to seek help
If you suspect generalized anxiety disorder, see your family doctor. You should also see a doctor when a diagnosis already exists but treatment is not improving your condition. The doctor may offer talking therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy), medication, or a referral to mental health specialists. Usually the doctor advises trying therapy first.
Call 103 or 112 immediately if there are signs of a life-threatening condition: stroke, heart attack, severe injury, or a traffic accident. A mental health crisis also requires emergency help, not waiting for a scheduled appointment.
This text is for reference and is not a substitute for a conversation with a doctor.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer