Anxiety - Dr. Sachin Mangla

Anxiety is a normal response to stress or danger, often called the "fight-or-flight" response. It is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. While everyone experiences anxiety at some point, it can become a medical disorder when it interferes with daily life.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

1) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

• Characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life.
• Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

2) Panic Disorder:

• Involves sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear.
• Symptoms include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom.

3) Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD):

• Intense fear of social situations, leading to avoidance of such events.
• Symptoms include fear of being judged, embarrassment, and worry about social interactions.

4) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

• Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
• Symptoms include repetitive hand-washing, checking, or cleaning rituals.

5) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

• Develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
• Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors:

• Genetics: Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotions.
• Environmental Factors: Stressful or traumatic life events, such as abuse, loss of a loved one, or financial difficulties.
• Medical Conditions: Certain health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, respiratory disorders, and chronic pain.

Symptoms of Anxiety
Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Excessive worry or fear
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances
• Panic attacks (in severe cases)

Treatment Options
1) Psychotherapy:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A widely used approach that helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared situations or objects to reduce anxiety over time.

2) Medications:

• Antidepressants: Such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Benzodiazepines: For short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms.
• Beta-Blockers: Used to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat.

3) Lifestyle Changes:

• Regular physical activity
• Healthy diet
• Adequate sleep
• Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

4) Support Groups:

• Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and coping strategies.

When to Seek Help
If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it is important to seek professional help. Dr. Sachin Mangla at The Brain Blossom Clinic is a specialist in neuropsychiatry and can provide comprehensive care for anxiety disorders. Early intervention can improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.