How to Recognize Anxiety Symptoms

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How to Recognize Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety can occur in a wide variety of situations. A healthcare provider will begin by taking a complete medical history and physical exam. While lab tests cannot be used to diagnose anxiety disorders, they can rule out other underlying medical conditions. Your healthcare provider will ask questions about the duration and intensity of your symptoms and whether they interfere with daily life. They may also observe your behavior to determine whether anxiety is a contributing factor to your symptoms. A healthcare provider may also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, for a more detailed assessment of your condition.

It is important to keep yourself active to avoid being in a situation that triggers anxiety. Take a moment to rate your fear on a scale of one to ten. Your fear level should not remain high for more than a few seconds. If you can’t avoid the situation, distract yourself with other simple tasks. Don’t make assumptions or run away from the situation – anxiety is more likely to increase if you aren’t aware of what is happening. Instead, try to keep a predictable schedule and find positive aspects of each small step.

Medication can be a good option for treating anxiety. Your health care provider can prescribe antidepressants or psychotherapy. Both are effective for most types of anxiety disorders, although some medications may work better for certain types than others. Work with your health care provider to find the medicine that best suits your specific needs. You may need to try several medications before finding the right one for you. If all else fails, talk therapy may be the best choice.

Anxiety is a common symptom of a more serious medical problem. Sometimes anxiety is the first sign that an illness is developing, so your doctor may recommend certain tests and suggest a treatment plan. In addition to a physical exam, lab tests are sometimes necessary for the proper diagnosis of anxiety. Anxiety is a serious mental health condition that can interfere with your life. However, treatment is possible, and many people are cured of their symptoms.

While there are many treatment options for anxiety disorders, you should work with your health care provider to determine the best course of action. If psychotherapy does not work, your health care provider may suggest medication. While medication is not a permanent solution, it is often highly effective in reducing symptoms. While psychotherapy is not a cure for anxiety, it can help if you experience the symptoms of anxiety on a daily basis. Psychotherapy helps you to work through your anxieties and develop coping mechanisms.

Antidepressants are another treatment option for anxiety disorders. They work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a key role in alertness and concentration. SNRIs are effective for social anxiety disorder, but they can have side effects. Among these are weight gain and nausea. Tricyclics are also an effective treatment for anxiety, but they may have side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.