Telehealth for Anxiety

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that is highlighted by uncontrollable and unexplainable bouts of anxiety. While everyone experiences anxiety at some point, “normal” bouts of anxiety are often brought on by stress, fear, or other factors going on around us.

Someone with an anxiety disorder will experience anxiety for no logical reason. Furthermore, their anxiety can be so severe and debilitating that it can prevent them from being able to go about their daily life and perform even the most basic of tasks.

Signs and Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder

Since everyone experiences anxiety, it may be difficult for someone to tell if a friend, family member, or loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder or just experiencing a normal bout of anxiety. Even for those who do suffer from an anxiety disorder, depending on the type and severity of their disorder, it may also be difficult to properly identify.

If you think that you or someone you know is suffering from an anxiety disorder, below are some of the more common signs and symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle tension
• Muscle spasms
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Stomach problems

Additionally, someone with an anxiety disorder might experience the following:

• Intense fear
• Feelings of panic, danger, or doom
• Not being able to think about anything other than their anxiety
• Actively avoiding any situation or location that may trigger anxiety

How Does Someone Develop an Anxiety Disorder?

Experiencing feelings of anxiety doesn’t automatically mean that someone is suffering from an anxiety disorder. After all, anxiety is a natural reaction that the brain and body have to stress and fear.

However, much like other types of mental health conditions as well as substance use disorders, there are certain causes and risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

Below are some common causes and risk factors associated with anxiety disorder:

• Environmental stress – Traumatic events such as abuse, violence, and death of a loved one, especially at a young age, can lead to an anxiety disorder, specifically PTSD
• Genetics – If a person has a history of anxiety disorders in their family, they are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder as well
• Brain chemistry – Researchers have found that a chemical imbalance in the brain can lead to anxiety disorders
• Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions can lead to the worsening of anxiety symptoms including lung, thyroid, and heart conditions
• Substance use and addiction – Using and abusing certain illicit substances can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder
• Low self-esteem – Negative perceptions of yourself can lead to an anxiety disorder, specifically social anxiety disorder

Anxiety Disorder Statistics

According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety disorders affect close to 30% of adults at some point in their lives.

Unfortunately, though, only a small percentage of those people get the treatment and help that they need. Roughly 35% of all people that suffer from an anxiety disorder seek out proper treatment for their condition.

As a result, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, people that suffer from anxiety disorders are six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders. Additionally, their lack of treatment can also lead to a higher rate of the development of physical ailments as those with untreated anxiety disorders are 5 times more likely to go to the doctor.

Below is a breakdown of the estimated percentage of U.S. adults that suffer from various anxiety disorders on a yearly basis:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 6.8 million adults (3.1% of the population)
• Panic Disorder – 6 million adults (2.7% of the population)
• Social Anxiety Disorder – 15 million adults (7.1% of the population)
• Specific Phobias – 19.3 million adults (9.1% of the population)
• OCD – 2.5 million adults (1.2% of the population)
• PTSD – 7.7 million adults (3.6% of the population)

Are You Looking For An Anxiety Treatment Center In California?

If you or a loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder, it is important to seek proper, professional mental health treatment right away. Untreated anxiety disorders can lead to an increased risk of physical ailments as well as suicidal thoughts or actions.