Overview
The American Psychological Association explains anxiety as “characterized by feelings of physical changes such as anxious thoughts, stress, and increased blood pressure.”
Knowing the difference between normal feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder requires therapy that can help a person identify and treat the condition.
In this article, we look at the differences between anxiety and anxiety disorders, different types of anxiety, and available treatment options.
When does anxiety need treatment?
While anxiety can cause anxiety, it is not always a medical condition.
Anxiety
When a person encounters a potentially harmful or worrying trigger, feelings of anxiety are not only normal but necessary for survival.
Since the early days of humanity, the approach of predators and impending danger sets off alarms in the body and allows clear action. These alarms become noticeable in the form of elevated heartbeat, sweating, and sensitivity to the surroundings.
This danger causes congestion of adrenalin, a hormone, and a chemical messenger in the brain, which in turn triggers these anxious reactions in a process called a “fight-or-flight” response. It prepares humans for physical confrontation. Or shuns any potential danger. Security.
For many, fleeing large animals and imminent danger is less worrisome than the initial pressure that occurs for early humans. Concerns now revolve around work, money, family life, health and other important issues that attract a person’s attention without the need for a ‘fight-or-flight’ response.
The feeling of nervousness before a significant life event; or during a difficult situation is a natural echo of the original ‘fight-or-flight’ response. It may still be necessary to survive – worrying about hitting the car while crossing the road, for example, means that a person will instinctively look both ways to avoid danger.
Anxiety disorders
The duration or severity of an anxious feeling can sometimes be out of proportion with the original trigger, or stress. Physical signs and symptoms, such as nausea and increased blood pressure may also develop. These reactions go beyond anxiety into an anxiety disorder.
The APA describes a person with an anxiety disorder as; “having recurring thoughts or concerns.” Once anxiety reaches the stage of a disorder, it can interfere with daily work.
Symptoms
Although many different diagnoses constitute an anxiety disorder, symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will often include the following:
- Discomfort, and a feeling of being “on-edge”
- Uncontrollable feelings of anxiety
- Irritability increased
- Concentration difficulties
- Sleep difficulties, such as problems falling or staying
While these symptoms may be normal to experience in daily life. People with GAD will experience them consistently or at extreme levels. GAD can present as unexplained, disturbing anxiety or a more serious concern that disrupts day-to-day life.