Anxiety

Overview Of The Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear and tension. Individuals with anxiety often experience physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating and difficulty sleeping. If anxiety is left untreated, it can significantly impair one’s quality of life. People struggling with anxiety face challenges in maintaining social relationships and work/school performance due to their constant worries and physical discomfort.

Early diagnosis is important so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Individuals are encouraged to see their doctor if anxiety symptoms persist for over six months. Doctors are able to properly diagnose anxiety disorders through clinical evaluations and assessments. The treatment process usually involves psychotherapy (cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure therapy), medication (anti-anxiety drugs), or a combination of both.

With holistic treatment options at Buddhi Clinic, patients manage their anxiety symptoms and regain control over their lives. Psychotherapy teaches coping strategies and helps patients change anxious thoughts and behaviors. Medication can help reduce physical symptoms in the short term as patients learn new coping skills

Cause Of The Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental health condition that results in the feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of anxiety in individuals. The major causes of anxiety include both genetic and environmental influences.

Genetic factors

The anxiety disorder is hereditary and runs in families, indicating a strong genetic component. Having a close family member with an anxiety disorder increases one’s own risk. Genetics are believed to determine how sensitive one’s nervous system is and how prone they may be to anxiety symptoms.

Early life experiences

Stressful or traumatic events during childhood like abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one can increase the risk of anxiety later in life. Exposure to such adverse experiences at a young age when the brain is developing has long lasting effects on stress response systems in the body.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions are also linked to increased anxiety levels. Hyperthyroidism, heart disease etc. can manifest anxiety-like symptoms. Caffeine, certain medications, illicit drugs may induce or worsen underlying anxiety disorders as well. Proper treatment and management of any comorbid medical illnesses plays a role in effective anxiety treatment in Chennai.

Personality traits

Individuals with high-strung temperaments and those prone to worrying tend to be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders. Perfectionists and people who are highly self-critical experience greater anxiety when faced with stressful life events or uncertainty. Learning to manage perfectionist tendencies can help lower anxiety risk.

Signs & Symptoms Of The Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders have characteristic symptoms that set them apart from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness. The symptoms can be behavioral, physical, or cognitive in nature.

Excessive worrying

Racing thoughts or mind going blank. Physical signs like increased heart rate, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Physical Symptoms

Increased heart rate, sweating, and trouble breathing are common physical signs of anxiety. Stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, and restlessness also occur.

Cognitive Symptoms

Negative thought patterns and racing thoughts are cognitive symptoms of anxiety. Difficulty concentrating and mind going blank are also seen.

Behavioural Symptoms

Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety and safety behaviors are behavioural signs. Irritability and poor sleep are other symptoms.

If you experience signs of anxiety for an extended period, this is a sign to look for treatment. For effective anxiety treatment in Chennai, consult a mental health expert at Buddhi Clinic for counseling and medication options to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Diagnosis Of The Anxiety Disorder

A doctor performs a thorough diagnosis to determine if symptoms indicate an anxiety disorder. The process involves a physical exam, discussion of symptoms, and potential tests.

Physical Exam and Medical History

A physical exam rules out other medical conditions as the cause of symptoms. The doctor asks about current and past medical issues, medications, and when symptoms began or worsened.

Potential Medical Tests

If needed, tests like a blood panel help identify medical conditions that can mimic anxiety disorders, such as hypothyroidism. Test results provide medical information to consider in the diagnosis.

Symptom Discussion

An in-depth discussion of thoughts, feelings, and how symptoms impact daily life allows the doctor to evaluate if criteria are met for an anxiety diagnosis. The discussion also helps identify any co-occurring conditions.

Collaboration with Other Specialists

For co-existing medical issues, the diagnosing doctor works with relevant specialists to ensure proper treatment of all conditions. A careful diagnosis from multiple perspectives leads to an accurate anxiety disorder determination or alternative diagnosis.

Management and Treatment Of Anxiety Disorder

At Buddhi Clinic, the effective management of anxiety disorders involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

  • Targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors contributing to anxiety
  • Gradually exposes patients to anxiety-provoking stimuli to learn new responses

Medication:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line to increase serotonin levels
  • Common SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine
  • SSRIs take 4-6 weeks to achieve full effect

Benzodiazepines:

  • Rapid relief of severe symptoms but risk of dependence
  • Include clonazepam, prescribed short-term

Individualized Treatment Plan:

  • Treatment is tailored to the type and severity of symptoms to ensure optimal outcomes.
  • It may involve cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of both approaches.
  • The duration of treatment typically ranges from 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on individual needs.
  • Continuous follow-up with a mental health professional is essential for monitoring progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

Why Choose Buddhi Clinic For Anxiety Disorders?

At Buddhi Clinic, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing Anxiety Disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists, advanced therapies, and personalised treatment plans ensure every patient receives the tailored support they need to regain balance and thrive. 

With a focus on empowerment and holistic well-being, Buddhi Clinic is your trusted partner in managing and overcoming anxiety.

Contact us

If you or a loved one is seeking comprehensive care for Anxiety Disorders, we encourage you to reach out to Buddhi Clinic. Our team is committed to providing personalised and compassionate support to help you navigate your journey to well-being.

Our Buddhi Clinic Centres

Chennai Teynampet, Sriperumbudur, Coimbatore

Our Apollo x Buddhi Centres

Chennai - OMR, Indore

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