Anxiety is a normal human physiological response to external stressors, however, when specific symptoms are present, it can be characterized as a disorder. Anxiety disorders can be categorized into the following areas:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder — Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is distinguished by excessive anxiety or worry about everyday events for no real or identifiable reason.
Social Anxiety Disorder — Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense or persistent fear of being around others, often feeling judged by strangers and those around them.
Specific Phobias — There is a phobia for nearly everything, from common things like spiders and snakes to strange and harmless things like certain fruits and vegetables.
Panic Disorder — Panic disorder refers to recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, with symptoms of sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations.
Agoraphobia — More common than ever before, agoraphobia is the fear of entering open or crowded spaces or leaving one’s home.

These conditions are typically accompanied by an intense state of worry and fear which is usually the result of a life-threatening event or stressor. These feelings can be normal in cases of everyday stress or serious life stressors, and can even help individuals avoid a serious situation. Individuals usually overcome this worry once the stressor dissipates, however, in individuals with an anxiety disorder, their state of worry becomes more intensified over time.

There are many signs that are indicative of a bad case of anxiety, including the following:

– Excessive worry
– Restlessness or an inability to relax
– Accelerated heart rate
– Agitation or irritability
– Sweatiness, weakness, or trembling
– Ongoing insomnia
– Panic attacks
– Feelings of impending doom or dread
– Hyperventilation
– Fatigue
– Irrational fears
– Avoidance of triggering situations or environments
– Decreased ability to concentrate

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative to seek the attention of a mental health expert as soon as possible. If left untreated, these symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Most research indicates that anxiety can be passed down genetically, however it can also be influenced by environmental factors. To put it simply, it is possible to have anxiety even if it does not run in your family. There is a lot that current science and medicine do not understand about the link between genes and anxiety disorders, and more research is needed.

Yes, we do! At Advanced Psych Care, we have medical professionals who specialize in treating mental health conditions, such as anxiety. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and you do not know why, or your anxiety is interfering with your quality of life, come to Advanced Psych Care to be evaluated by psychiatric mental health professional.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, know that you are not alone. Anxiety is a common condition that affects millions of people every day, and there is hope. At Advanced Psych Care, we can help you understand what is causing your anxiety and more effectively manage your symptoms. Call us today to book an appointment. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Salem NH, Windham NH, Atkinson NH, Plaistow NH, Pelham NH, Hampstead, NH and surrounding areas.