When Stress Becomes An Anxiety Disorder – Signs You Need Help

Stress and anxiety is a common occurrence for everyone. Public speaking, taking a tough exam, planning your wedding and consideration for promotion are some of the common situations that cause stress.

The signs of stress can vary, but they usually consist of a pounding heart, perspiration, upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue and insomnia. Once the stress goes away, the symptoms usually follow. A chemical imbalance in the brain or excessive environmental stress are believed to be causes of anxiety disorders. This syndrome can be characterized by continual worryinginterrupts your life and relationships. At this time, it may be out of your control and time to seek professional help.

If you have excessive, constant worry about everyday issues like work, health, school and relationships that you cannot control, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Another frequent symptom is frequent dread over unlikely “what if” scenarios. Seeking treatment for this condition is important, especially if it has been ongoing. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is debilitating in social situations.

If you often feel strong feelings of apprehension or panic in social situations, or meeting even one new person typically sends you into paroxysms of dread, it's wise to discuss these symptoms with a physician. Some people have frequent “panic attacks,” where the above symptoms come on suddenly and forcefully. Panic attacks are a characteristic of most of these illnesses, but if you have them one or more times a day, you may be affected by panic disorder (PD). Uncontrollable and irrational angst about a specific topic or topics are called “obsessions. “Those who have obsessive thoughts may engage in repetitive activities, “compulsions,” to reduce their worry.

These two symptoms comprise obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For instance, a person feels dirty, bathes constantly, but never feels clean.

If you find yourself suffering from obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviors that disrupt your normal life, a physician can offer hope. People associate post traumatic stress (PTSD) with war veterans, but this malady can affect anyone who has been through a very traumatic event.

If you are unable to keep yourself from replaying a troubling event from your past, or experience frequent nightmares or even flashbacks, you do not have to continue to live with this pain alone.

There are many support groups and treatment options available.

It is important to note that these conditions may manifest themselves differently than how they are described here. A person may exhibit symptoms for more than one of these ailments. Clinical depression symptoms can be present along with other symptoms, as these types of conditions are strongly related. Only qualified professionals should diagnose and treat these serious illnesses.

If you are diagnosed with any of the above illnesses, your counselor or psychiatrist may use a number of techniques, like positive self talk or breathing exercises, to help you learn to cope with your condition. Psychiatric medication may be prescribed to help treat the chemical imbalance in the brain.

There are many different medications available, and it may be necessary for you to try several before your physician can identify the one that works best. Mental health conditions can overtake and be devastating for both the patient and their family. However, with the right treatment, many of those who suffer from these conditions are able to lead happy, productive lives.
In the Las Vegas area, check out www.drzedek.com, an award winning psychiatrist, for help with anxiety and/or other mental health related issues. Dr. Zedek is a nationally recognized psychiatrist who is devoted to helping patients resolve issues and learn coping skills. Powered by SEO
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