Anxiety symptoms are often underrated or ignored, but the constant, overwhelming sensation affects millions yearly. Spanning both physical and psychological symptoms, Anxiety or Panic Disorders are often some of the most difficult to diagnose due to the breadth of reactions that they can cause.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Physically, you can look for muscle tension, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue as some of the most common aspects of Anxiety. In terms of psychological effects, an individual would likely have racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating. You may find yourself constantly irritable and easily distracted. While these symptoms can help you identify an Anxiety Disorder, each person is different and can respond to anxiety in different ways.
Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders
Perhaps the most common disorder of this category, Generalized Anxiety Disorder encompasses many of the symptoms of anxiety and allows for a broad range of treatments. With this disorder diagnosis, you’d exhibit the presence of excessive anxiety symptoms and may worry about a variety of topics, events, or activities. This can also include restlessness, irritability, impaired concentration, muscle soreness, or difficulty sleeping.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder’s symptoms must have occurred for at least 6 months and be in excess of the level of anxiety or symptoms that the individual has had previously. Ultimately, in order to be diagnosed, the symptoms must impact one’s daily functioning.
Treatment for Anxiety and Counseling Options
Treatment for Anxiety or Panic Disorders often focus on first reducing the symptoms – both physical and mental – before addressing the underlying cause. Mindfulness techniques or growing one’s awareness of responses is essential to address the immediate symptoms of the disorder.
Following a reduction in symptoms, the underlying cause is generally treated using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or cognitive-based therapy in conjunction with medicinal interventions, depending on the severity.
Resources Available for Anxiety Disorders
Here are additional resources for cutting-edge treatments and identifiers for an Anxiety or Panic Disorder.
- Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders (National Institute of Mental Health)
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America
- Tips for identifying and managing anxiety (University of Texas)
- Join research studies for anxiety disorders (Anxiety Disorder Clinic)
If you’ve been suffering from anxiety in San Antonio, counseling or therapy services are available to help at Green Mountain Counseling. Contact us for San Antonio-based anxiety counseling.