Thursday, August 6, 2009

Recognizing Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety

By Emma Stephens

Anxiety disorders affect millions of men and women every year, and most people experience a combination of emotional and physical symptoms depending on the severity of their condition. Anxiety disorders range from generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias and social anxiety disorder, but almost all have the same spectrum of emotional symptoms that have significant effects on the person's well-being and emotional health.

Irrational and excessive fear or worry is the trademark of all anxiety disorders. In addition, there are other emotional symptoms that are experienced frequently by most sufferers:

1. Anticipating the worst. Most people suffering from an anxiety disorder are always preparing for the worst, and expect negative things to happen. This can perpetuate a cycle of negative thinking, and may lead to depression, more anxiety and other problems.

2. Always restless and agitated. A person with anxiety disorder always feels uncomfortable generally or in specific situations. Some may even find it hard to relax at home in extreme situations.

3. Stressed and uptight. Sufferers of anxiety disorders are more than likely to feel tensed, stiffed or stressed. The United States National Mental Health Information Center at mentalhealth.samhsa.gov, explains that people with anxiety disorders may constantly fidget or develop other habits to diminish the feeling of anxiety and tension.

4. Watching for threats and dangers. A person may pay extra attention to signs of dangers and threats. Additionally, they will be extremely cautious in doing something and going somewhere to avoid scary situations.

5. Difficulty Focusing. Anxiety disorders drain much of a person's ability to focus and concentrate. This can cause a person to struggle remaining in one place to study, write, or complete any other task. The symptoms may point to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but in most cases, the real culprit is an anxiety disorder.

6. Easily annoyed. People with anxiety disorders are irritable and easily annoyed because they usually lack rest and sleep. They may react negatively to everyday situations and may be overly sensitive to even a slight modification in their routine or schedule. Relaxation methods and taking enough rest will improve a sufferer's condition, although these habits would need to be developed over time.

These emotional symptoms can negatively affect the quality of life of a sufferer. However, it is important to recognize these early on so that an effective treatment may be prescribed to the sufferer as soon as possible. - 14130

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