Understanding The Consequences of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

The term "anxiety disorder" is a term that refers to several different forms of anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common form. It's commonly characterized by frequent and chronic anxiety unrelated to any specific situation. These sufferers are often afraid, but unable to understand or explain the source of their fear. The generalized anxiety disorder symptoms that result from this unwholesome, fearful anxiety can be headaches, dizzy spells and insomnia.

Other Anxiety Disorders Include:

Social Anxiety - in which an individual becomes terrified of public evaluation

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - in which an individual suffers from repetitive and intrusive thoughts that force him or her to take repetitive action to relieve the anxiety

Love-Shyness - a fear of intimate relationships

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - is an anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Most of the above anxiety disorders are derived from some form of past trauma in which a person was exposed to frightening stimuli that he or she has never reconciled.



There is also panic disorder, in which a person suffers from brief bouts of intense panic or apprehension. The symptoms of panic disorder are similar to generalized anxiety disorder symptoms: dizzy spells, shakiness and shortness of breath. However, when experiencing a particularly intense panic attack, a person may confuse the event with a heart attack. Contrary to popular belief, panic attacks do not arise for no reason. Whether the sufferer was frightened, endured a long period of stress, or became over-exerted during physical activity, there is generally an identifiable reason behind a panic disorder.

Of course, there are varying degrees of each of these conditions. Some are merely phobias related to specific objects or events. Others, however, are pathological illnesses or major disorders that can potentially prevent a sufferer from pursuing a normal daily life because the fear is so crippling.

The vast majority of us experience some form of anxiety when faced with a stressful event or situation. For instance, we've all experienced the sensation of butterflies in the stomach before a job interview or an important exam. However, some people experience such intense anxiety on a day to day basis that it interferes with their life.

Is this your situation?

Have you ever experienced any of these additional generalized anxiety disorder symptoms: a raging heartbeat, hot flashes or chills, choking, chest pains, sweating, trembling, shaking, difficulty breathing, sudden overwhelming fear, fear of sudden death or injury for no reason, anxiousness, fearfulness, general feelings of dread, dizziness, or light-headedness?

Or how about these physical symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal pain or discomfort, palpitations, pain and tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, or frequent urination? Or these psychological symptoms: an inability to sleep (insomnia), anger and irritability, inability to concentrate, feeling as if you can't control your actions, feeling unreal, or fearing madness?

Now, because you may have experienced one or more of these generalized anxiety disorder symptoms from time to time does not necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder. There could be other physical or emotional elements at play, or you may simply be dealing with the natural stress of day-to-day living. However, if you feel that some of these symptoms are inhibiting your ability to function properly, you need to see your physician.

Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary from person to person. Everyone is unique. The fears behind your experience may cause different symptoms from the person next door who has a completely different set of fears.

The good news is that anxiety is treatable. Anxiety disorders can be treated with traditional medicine, psychotherapy, and alternative medicine and practices. By visiting a physician and sharing those generalized anxiety disorder symptoms that bother you, a plan can be put in place to help you effectively overcome the symptoms as they occur.

In addition, there are a number of great programs that can help you eliminate the root cause of your anxiety and begin leading a normal, healthy life without the use of medications. Others sufferers have found they're able to live with the disorder on their own or follow self-help techniques other than seeking out professional help.

Yes, it is possible to ensure that your anxiety disorder does not control your life.

In addition to psychotherapy, prescription medication and herbal supplements, there are also a number of alternative treatments available for anxiety. While these can all help reduce the level of one's anxiety, in severe cases, these alternatives are best used in conjunction with other therapies.

For instance, though acupressure (a form of traditional Chinese medicine) is primarily used for pain relief, it's also been showed to effectively reduce anxiety. This practice involves the application of pressure or massage to meridians of the body in order to release the body's energy or chi.

In addition, you'll find a variety of meditation techniques that help you relax, while internally focusing on positive thoughts. These are simple, easy to use, and instantly-rewarding methods that naturally reduce the level of stress or anxiety you might be experiencing at any given moment throughout the day. While most meditational practices are based on ancient religion, the techniques themselves don't require any such committment and are rather benign while still being effective.

Some similar techniques that are often disregarded in favor of medication include: diaphragmatic breathing, which has you breathing deeply as opposed to the short, shallow chest breathing that increases your anxiety level; stress management, which emphasizes the need for you to make changes in your life in order to avoid those sources of stress that contribute to your anxiety; panic attack coping strategies, which involve self-reassuring talk; and self-therapy, which involves taking a closer look at the feelings behind your anxiety and learning how to cope with them in a positive, productive manner.

Even working on your physical health can be considered an alternative treatment for general anxiety. Reducing the caffeine, sugar and fatty foods in your diet has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Adding exercise into your routine relieves stress and anxiety, as well as improving your sleeping patterns.

Even laughter has been shown to be a quick stress-reliever.

Do keep in mind, however, that these are all coping strategies for generalized anxiety. They are meant to go hand-in-hand with major anxiety disorder treatments, but not to replace them. In extreme cases of anxiety disorder, psychiatric or at least psychotherapeutic treatment would generally be recommended over these alternative treatments.