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5 Things You Must Know About Anxiety

1. is a physiological and psychological condition, generalized as mood conditions without any stimulus that can be identified. There can be emotional as well as physical effects of anxiety that lead to fatigue, nausea, weakness, heart palpitations, tension or even stomach ache. can also be an indicator to serious underlying health issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart arrhythmia. disorder is the most common mental illness in the United States as there are around 19 million adult Americans suffering from anxiety disorder in a year. more commonly begins during childhood or adolescence, however can start in adulthood also. disorder is more prevalent in women than men.

2. There are various types of anxiety. Symptoms and nature of anxiety disorder is important to be identified to deal with it and to prevent worsening of condition. is broadly categorized as Panic disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Phobia and Generalized anxiety disorder. These disorders can very well be part of your daily lives, but you may not recognize the symptoms or you may choose to ignore. However, anxiety disorder in any form can lead to severe conditions; therefore it must be addressed and treated at the earliest symptoms of it.

3. disorders can be cured with medical help, yet only one third of the patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. As per a survey, anxiety disorders cost the United States approximately 48 billion dollars a year, which is one third of its total mental health bill of 148 billion dollars. However, the medication should only be taken at the prescription of a health practitioner as the anti-anxiety drugs can have some side effects such as, sleepiness and weight gain. Also, different type of anxiety has different drugs; therefore it must be taken under the guidance of a health care professional. People suffering from anxiety disorders are three to five times more likely to visit a medical practitioner than those who are not suffering from the disorder. Also the chances of getting an anxiety disorder patient hospitalized are six times more than those who are not suffering from anxiety disorder.

4. Along with medication, psychotherapy has been proved as an effective treatment for anxiety disorder. Behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are two types of clinically proven psychotherapy treatments for anxiety disorder. Behavioral therapy focuses on certain actions and behavioral pattern causing anxiety and uses certain techniques to change them. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients change their thought process to react differently and calmly in given circumstances.

5. Although anxiety can not be prevented completely, the symptoms can be reduced by following a healthy diet and life style. High dose of caffeine can lead to stress and anxiety, therefore should be avoided. Exercise, stress management or meditation can help you prevent the symptoms of anxiety to a great extent. Also, counseling after traumatic experience is very helpful to avoid post traumatic anxiety disorder. Avoid self prescribed medicines as any medicine can have some side effects depending on your physical condition.