What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Key terms:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - Excessive anxiety or worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.
- Panic attacks - Sudden periods of intense fear accompanied by increased heart rate, sweating, and hyperventilation.
- Social anxiety - Significant anxiety related to social situations and interactions with others.
- Phobias - Irrational, excessive fear related to a specific object or situation.
Anxiety becomes a disorder when:
- The anxiety occurs frequently and is out of proportion to the actual risk or threat.
- The anxiety interferes significantly with daily life and activities.
- The anxiety persists for more than 6 months.
Causes of anxiety disorders include:
- Genetics - Anxiety disorders tend to run in families.
- Brain chemistry - An imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
- Trauma - Past traumatic events like abuse, loss of a loved one, etc.
- Substance abuse - Withdrawal from alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, etc.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Anxiety disorder symptoms can be emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral:
- Emotional: Restlessness, feeling tense, dread, fear, irritability, feeling nervous or on edge.
- Physical: Fatigue, insomnia, muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, sweating, nausea.
- Cognitive: Trouble concentrating, feeling mind is racing, feeling like losing control.
- Behavioral: Avoidance of situations, distress in social situations, fidgeting.
To manage anxiety, lifestyle changes like exercise, meditation, healthy diet, and sleep, as well as therapy and medications can help. For more severe anxiety disorders, visiting a hormone clinic like Hormone Wellness Clinic can help address potential underlying hormone imbalances that may be contributing to anxiety.
At Hormone Wellness Clinic, we offer cutting-edge hormone testing and hormone therapy to help clients regain optimal hormone balance. Anxiety has been linked to imbalances in cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Our highly-trained medical staff will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you feel your best again.
With premium compounded hormone therapy, advanced testing, and proven protocols, Hormone Wellness Clinic has helped thousands restore energy, vitality, and mental wellbeing. Ask us today about our anxiety treatment programs and take control of your health!