melibra23
06-23-2009, 12:13 AM
Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by cognitive, somatic, emotional, and behavioral components. These components combine to create an unpleasant feeling that is typically associated with uneasiness, fear, or worry.
Anxiety is a generalized mood condition that occurs without an identifiable triggering stimulus. As such, it is distinguished from fear, which occurs in the presence of an observed threat. Additionally, fear is related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the result of threats that are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety is often triggered by stress in our lives. Some of us are more vulnerable to anxiety than others, but even those who become anxious easily can learn to manage it well. We can also make ourselves anxious with "negative self-talk" - a habit of always telling ourselves the worst will happen.
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety ?
Anxiety affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of Anxiety include:
*Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
*An unrealistic view of problems
*Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
*Irritability
*Muscle tension
*Headaches
*Sweating
*Difficulty concentrating
*Nausea
*The need to go to the bathroom frequently
*Tiredness
*Trouble falling or staying asleep
*Trembling
*Being easily startled
Anxiety treatment options
Cognitive-behavior therapy – As the name suggests, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on thoughts—or cognitions—in addition to behaviors. When used in anxiety disorder treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you identify and challenge the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs that are fueling your anxiety.
Exposure therapy – In exposure therapy for anxiety disorder treatment, you confront your fears in a safe, controlled environment. Through repeated exposures, either in your imagination or in reality, to the feared object or situation, you gain a greater sense of control. As you face your fear without being harmed, your anxiety gradually diminishes.
Anxiety is a generalized mood condition that occurs without an identifiable triggering stimulus. As such, it is distinguished from fear, which occurs in the presence of an observed threat. Additionally, fear is related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the result of threats that are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety is often triggered by stress in our lives. Some of us are more vulnerable to anxiety than others, but even those who become anxious easily can learn to manage it well. We can also make ourselves anxious with "negative self-talk" - a habit of always telling ourselves the worst will happen.
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety ?
Anxiety affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of Anxiety include:
*Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
*An unrealistic view of problems
*Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
*Irritability
*Muscle tension
*Headaches
*Sweating
*Difficulty concentrating
*Nausea
*The need to go to the bathroom frequently
*Tiredness
*Trouble falling or staying asleep
*Trembling
*Being easily startled
Anxiety treatment options
Cognitive-behavior therapy – As the name suggests, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on thoughts—or cognitions—in addition to behaviors. When used in anxiety disorder treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you identify and challenge the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs that are fueling your anxiety.
Exposure therapy – In exposure therapy for anxiety disorder treatment, you confront your fears in a safe, controlled environment. Through repeated exposures, either in your imagination or in reality, to the feared object or situation, you gain a greater sense of control. As you face your fear without being harmed, your anxiety gradually diminishes.