SYMPTOMS

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotional state characterized by excessive worry and fear about the future or potential risks. Moderate anxiety is not harmful and can serve as a warning signal, helping individuals cope with current or impending dangers. However, if excessive anxiety occurs without sufficient reason or persists for a long time, it may affect physical and mental health, requiring timely professional help ^[1].

In clinical practice, psychiatrists often use self-rating anxiety scales to help patients assess their anxiety levels. You can click to view the scale: Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. If needed.

To learn more about anxiety disorders, click here: Anxiety Disorders.

What Are the Possible Symptoms of Anxiety?

Symptoms may vary slightly among individuals but commonly include the following:

• Psychological symptoms: Nervousness, irritability, fear.
• Physical symptoms: Restlessness, trembling.
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, sweating, pale lips, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, diarrhea, etc. ^[1].

TREATMENT

How to Relieve Anxiety?

• Develop healthy habits: Ensure adequate sleep and maintain an optimistic mindset. Engage in moderate physical exercise to alleviate fatigue.
• Participate in group activities: Regularly communicate and socialize with friends and family to avoid prolonged isolation.
• Reduce stress: When under excessive stress, listen to music, read books, or practice relaxation techniques to relieve tension.

How Can Anxiety Be Treated?

If anxiety persists or significantly impacts work and daily life, it may indicate pathological anxiety (anxiety disorder) requiring treatment. Psychotherapy alone may be sufficient, but medication can be combined if therapy proves ineffective.

• Supportive psychotherapy: By communicating with doctors and fellow patients, as well as self-learning about anxiety disorders, patients can better understand treatment and prognosis, thereby reducing psychological burden and alleviating anxiety.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This method reduces emotional and behavioral dysregulation by altering thought patterns or behaviors and is the most effective psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.
• Relaxation techniques: Simple, practical, and effective methods to ease tension and reduce anxiety, such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, hypnosis, and mindfulness.
• Medication: Commonly prescribed drugs include benzodiazepines, buspirone, and antidepressants. However, long-term use may lead to dependence or addiction, so medication must be taken under medical supervision.

DIAGNOSIS

When Should Anxiety Seek Medical Attention?

Seek prompt medical care if the following symptoms occur:

• Inability to control oneself, constant worry about bad things happening, affecting daily life, work, and social interactions;
• Prolonged anxiety that does not improve over time;
• Accompanied by physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, palpitations, night sweats, muscle tension, or shortness of breath.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the causes of anxiety?

• Physiological factors: Genetic predisposition and personality traits such as introversion and sensitivity play significant roles in the onset of anxiety disorders.
• Psychosocial factors: Stressful life events in society, such as childhood psychological trauma, lack of care, or the sudden loss of loved ones, can trigger anxiety.
• Medical factors: Chronic illnesses like heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, diabetes, or tumor-related diseases may also contribute to anxiety ^[1].