Being anxious is one of the natural emotions of an individual. Who isn't anxious about a particular test result, about an office presentation or their own wedding? It is when this anxiety gets out of control and begins to interfere with one's daily routine that the matter should be looked into more closely.
The cause of anxiety is usually based on a variety of factors. Usually, people feel that several things are attacking them all at once and they can't take it anymore. The typical situation is of a high school teacher, who has to deal with a demanding schedule and unruly teenagers at work, then he comes home to a complaining wife and crying kids, and at the back of his mind, he constantly worries about due bills and mortgage payments.
Probing into the Patients Recent and Remote Past
In all cases, it is the patient himself who is the biggest help to diagnose the actual cause of anxiety. Psychiatrists often ask the patient to keep a detailed journal about his symptoms and the events leading to them. The patient is asked to jot down his thoughts before the start of the anxiety and where he was when this happened. Often, the cause of anxiety attacks can be determined by reviewing these log books and noting the most common trigger to anxiety.
A detailed history of the patient's childhood and adolescence can also help figure out the cause of anxiety. Traumatic events in one's childhood can scar the person for life. Death of a loved one in a hospital can make an individual fear doctors and hospitals forever. Or maybe, a dog bite in the person's childhood will lead to a life long phobia of dogs.The patient is usually unaware of these feelings, until they are brought out by probing into his past
Desensitization Process
Determining the cause of anxiety is the most important aspect of combating anxiety. The problem can be tackled step by step after the root of the problem is discovered. Gradual desensitization can be used to help the patient overcome his fears over time.
For instance, if the patient is scared of drowning in water, the doctor will help him by exposing him to different levels of water, beginning from the bath tub and ending at the beach. This usually helps overcome the fear completely, but requires a lot of time and patience.
Once the cause of anxiety is figured out, the battle is half won and the management can now continue by focusing on the actual problem.
The Cause Of Anxiety
Are there causes of anxiety attacks? In today's world anxiety disorders many times may be the most common mental illness. In the United States 40 million (18.1%) of the adult population is affected. These numbers are on the increase all over the world, demanding immediate attention. Even though studies are usually made only on adults (over 18 years old), this disorder affects all age groups.
We all blame it on stress, too much work load or other over pressuring day to day activities. However, the scientists have found out the cause of anxiety attacks are:
Brian Biochemistry or chemical imbalance
There are two primary neurotransmitters; serotonin and dopamine, that affect a person's feeling. Any imbalance of these chemicals can provoke a cause of anxiety attacks expressed through feeling depressed or sad.
Genetics
Anxiety disorders are also inherited as they tend to run in the family, thus passing it on from one's mother/father to the son/daughter or any other close relative. The structure of the brain and its process are inherited in totality and that can be another reason why people with chemical imbalance can pass on the anxiety disorder thus, being the cause of anxiety attacks. Also growing up as a child in an abusive home, where the family expressed anxiety and violence constantly can be the cause of anxiety attacks.
Fight or Flight Mechanism
When we sense danger, the body prepares itself to either fight or run away. This is known as fight or flight mechanism. This mechanism is triggered mostly by a part of the brain called Amygdale. Sometimes the brain misunderstands the message and a situation and translated it as dangerous when it is not in reality. This can be a cause of anxiety attacks.
The symptoms are very real and frightening. Thus, convincing us that something is wrong and we get scared and untrusting. The flight or fight failure, the scientists say, is the main cause of panic attacks.
Along with the various medications, the scientists also have discovered the possibility to reserve these symptoms now, with the modern science and technology. Now, all we need to do is to learn to recognize these symptoms and consult the doctor as soon as possible. As any other disorder or illness, treated in time, it can be almost always treated successfully.
Be aware of your body and recognize when is giving you the wrong symptoms. Make sure you consult your Doctor as you never want to rely on your own diagnosis. Your doctor may see or know something that you never thought of. Build your knowledge base and learn some techniques that will help you to stop your anxiety attacks dead in its tracks. You may want to try a book and audio that I have used. You can find a link at the top of my web site "A Guide to Eliminate Stress and Anxiety".
Both Alien & Paul Schmitt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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