Severe Anxiety

Everyone has experienced anxiety on some level. It is only when it interferes with your daily life does it become a problem that may need treatment. There are so many forms of anxiety that medical diagnosis is needed in order to identify causal factors. Severe anxiety can be due to trauma, psychosocial stresses (such as divorce or death of a loved one), developmental disorder, or as a symptom of an underlying condition. Anxiety is often a downward spiral because one attack usually leads to a hyperawareness or fear of reoccurring attacks, which in turn increases the risk and severity of future attacks. If not treated it may lead to the development of some phobias.

There are two components to anxiety, psychological (mental) and somatic (physical). Psychological symptoms of anxiety include fear, inability to concentrate, and apprehension. Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, hyperventilating, tremors, and sweating are examples of the somatic symptoms sufferers may experience. The best treatment for anxiety depends on the causes. Treatment may include one or all of the following, drug therapy, counseling, treating underlying medical condition, and relaxation techniques. Because anxiety is a progressive condition and may be caused by other life threatening medical disorders, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.