Anxiety: Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Treatment in NY

Anxiety can look and feel different to every person. However, the most commonly experienced symptoms are:

– Feeling nervous, agitated, or tense
– Difficulty regulating feelings of worry
– Anticipating panic, stress, or doom
– Rapid heart rate
– Hyperventilation (rapid, uneasy breathing)
– Sweating
– Shaking or trembling
– Fatigue (constant or sudden onset)
– Difficulty concentrating
– Complete focus on the area of concern
– Issues falling and/or staying asleep
– Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
– Avoidance of anxiety provoking triggers

While short-term anxiety is a completely normal part of the human experience, anxiety that is frequent and persistent can be the indictor of a more severe anxiety disorder. Some people have a genetic predisposition towards anxiety, while others develop it as a response to external and internal triggers.

Anxiety disorders can be the result of: 

Medical issues. Health concerns, whether they are undiagnosed or diagnosed, can trigger frequent bouts of anxiety. These medical conditions may include diabetes, thyroid problems, respiratory disorders, drug dependencies, withdrawal from alcohol or medication, chronic pain, tumors, or IBS (irritable bowl syndrome). Anxiety may also be a side effect of certain medications that you’re currently on.

Stress. Significant emotional turmoil, such as losing a loved one, a job loss, financial insecurity, the onset of a health condition, or family problems, can cause anxiety to build and linger. 
 
Trauma. Those who witness a traumatic event are much more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. 

Mental health disorders. Anxiety can often present itself alongside another mental health disorder, such as depression or OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). 

Genetics and personality types. Anxiety disorders can often be passed down through blood relatives. There are also certain personality characteristics that are more commonly associated with those who develop severe anxiety. 

Substance abuse. Drug or alcohol dependencies, as well as withdrawal, can amplify anxiety in certain individuals.

While periodic anxiety is completely normal, anxiety that involves prolonged feelings of fear and nervousness often signify a more complex medical condition. Anxiety disorders are a type of mental illness characterized by high and uncontrollable levels of weariness, tension, and unease. 
Over 30% of people will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common mental health illnesses in our society.

The treatment for severe anxiety is either psychotherapy or medication, or a combination of the two.
Psychotherapy involves working with a medically licenced therapist to address and treat the underlying components of your anxiety. The most common and effective type of psychotherapy is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). It is a well-rounded approach that arms the patient with the mental tools and physical resources to help combat issues and symptoms that often feel overwhelming.

Medications prescribed by your doctor can also help ease the symptoms associated with persistent anxiety. It’s important to talk to your health care professional about the benefits, risks, and side-effects of the medication you’re prescribed. While some can be taken long-term, others are only meant for short-term use.

If you’re suffering from anxiety and don’t know where to turn, trust the professionals at Marcellus Wellness and Addiction Services. We are a team of empathetic medical specialists who are dedicated to helping you alleviate the mental and physical distress caused by anxiety. For more information, or to book in for an appointment, contact us today. We serve patients from Rockville Centre NY, Brooklyn NY, Queens NY, Staten Island NY, Manhattan NY, Bronx NY, and surrounding areas.