The body’s natural reaction to a dangerous or threatening situation is anxiety, regardless of whether the threat is real or imagined. Those who suffer from anxiety disorders often perceive or anticipate some form of threatening situation that is imagined and not a real danger.
There are 6 forms of recognized anxiety disorders:
Signs of anxiety disorders vary, but are marked by both physical and emotional symptoms. Some physical symptoms of anxiety can include:
Emotional symptoms include:
Xanax is one of the most-recommended medications for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Usually prescribed by a mental health professional, this medication may be used by patients who do or do not experience panic attacks. Xanax can also be used as an additional medication for the treatment of depression.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you may be suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder. Oftentimes, it is difficult to distinguish between panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. However, there are some noticeable differences that separate the two. If someone is constantly in a state of anxiety and they also suffer from panic attacks periodically, this would indicate a panic disorder.
Conversely, when one is suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, they tend to worry excessively about all aspects of interaction with others. Acceptance, abandonment, failure, and performance are major causes of worry and stress when one suffers from generalized anxiety disorder. These types of anxiety disorders are almost always characterized by the sufferer questioning how they will be treated or perceived by others.
With panic disorder, a person will tend to worry more about personal catastrophes and loss of control. Their number one concern is not being able to cope with those around them. They may worry about fainting or becoming ill in front of others.
Another difference is that people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are more likely to be withdrawn, and so tend to remove themselves from a situation if it begins to make them feel uncomfortable. Panic attacks sufferers recognize the triggers of a panic attack, and therefore tend to avoid the triggers at all cost. Most of these individuals feel that avoidance is the best solution to their problem. This level of denial can make it exceedingly difficult to convince a patient to consider a healthier means of treatment.
If a person’s anxiety disorder is severe, treatment may be necessary in order for them to function in a normal capacity.