Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder: Mental and Physical Signs

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and inner tension familiar to almost everyone. Sometimes it is a useful reaction to stress, and sometimes it does not go away and begins to interfere with work, study, and relationships. Below — about which mental and physical signs indicate an anxiety disorder and where the line lies between ordinary worry and a condition with which it is better to see a specialist.

What anxiety disorder is

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by pronounced anxiety or fear, often without an obvious cause. With anxiety, a person worries about upcoming events; with fear, they react to what is happening in real time.

One of the common variants is generalized anxiety disorder: a person frequently and intensely worries about many different things, and these experiences are difficult to control. There are other forms as well, for example panic disorder with sudden attacks of intense fear, or phobias, when fear is triggered by a specific situation. It is not uncommon for one person to have several types of anxiety disorder at once.

The causes are not precisely known. It is a combination of external factors and hereditary predisposition, as well as the biology and chemistry of the brain, stress, and environment. Anxiety disorders are more common in women. Risk factors include close relatives with anxiety or depressive disorders, severe stressful or traumatic experiences, and a long-term painful health condition.

How anxiety disorder differs from ordinary anxiety

Worrying before an exam, a difficult conversation, or an important decision is normal: at such moments anxiety even helps one gather oneself and focus. The difference is that with a disorder, the fear is not temporary. It does not pass, may intensify over time, and gradually affects more and more areas of life.

Generalized anxiety disorder is spoken of when a person frequently worries about a wide range of things, anxiety affects daily life, the experiences are difficult to control, and this condition lasts at least six months.

Mental symptoms and signs of anxiety

The mental part of anxiety disorder consists of thoughts and beliefs that are hard to stop. They make a person restless and tense, interfere with everyday tasks, and may intensify over time.

Typical manifestations include difficulty concentrating and sleeping, irritability, a feeling of inner tension, and low mood. Behavior changes as well: a person begins to avoid usual activities and places where they previously felt calm. Sometimes anxiety disorder occurs together with depression.

Physical symptoms of anxiety disorder

Anxiety is not only about thoughts. The body reacts too:

• heartbeat that becomes noticeable or unusual;
• difficulty breathing and dizziness;
• tension in the body and rapid fatigue;
• stomach problems, pain of unclear origin;
• difficulty sleeping.

Strong coffee, alcohol, and some medications can intensify these sensations.

How anxiety disorder is diagnosed

The diagnosis is made by a doctor — at an appointment with a family doctor or general practitioner. They ask about worries and bodily symptoms, how long this has been going on, and how much it interferes with life.

Sometimes an examination and laboratory tests are performed to rule out another medical cause: similar sensations occur, for example, with thyroid problems or heart rhythm disorders. If no physical cause is found, a psychological assessment is arranged.

When to see a doctor

It makes sense to seek help if anxiety is present most of the time, interferes with work and relationships, and attempts to control it do not produce results. Also — if a person already knows their diagnosis but the offered help does not relieve the condition.

The first point of contact is a family doctor or general practitioner: they assess the condition and, if necessary, refer to a mental health specialist.

Severe anxiety or a panic attack is not in itself a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 — if the condition is life-threatening: for example, with signs of stroke or heart attack.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: only a specialist at an appointment can assess the condition and discuss further steps.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer