Understanding Anxiety Disorders and How to Treat Them
Anxiety is a natural emotion—an internal alarm system designed to help us survive danger. But when that alarm goes off unnecessarily or too frequently, it can signal an anxiety disorder. These disorders affect millions of people globally and can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and physical health.
At Transcending Psychiatry, we provide empathetic, individualized treatment for those 12 and older through in-office services in New Jersey and Telehealth services in New Jersey and New York. This article dives headfirst into the realm of anxiety disorders—what they are, why they exist, how they appear, and most importantly, how to gain relief.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Whereas occasional stress or nervousness is natural, normal vs abnormal anxiety is a matter of intensity and duration of the experience. An anxiety disorder is a mental illness involving persistent, excessive worry or fear even when there is no actual danger. It is both emotionally and physically weakening.
Some individuals inquire, Does everybody get anxiety? or Does everyone have anxiety? The response is that everyone can get anxious now and then, but not everyone has a disorder. Distinguishing this difference is very important for treatment and diagnosis.
11 Types of Anxiety Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists a few categories. The following are the most well-known:
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1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
3. Panic Disorder
4. Specific Phobias
5. Separation Anxiety Disorder
6. Agoraphobia
7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
8. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Also a related anxiety disorder)
9. Selective Mutism
10. Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
11. Anxiety Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
Learning about these types can assist patients in understanding the particular nature of their battle. For instance, social anxiety disorder vs generalized anxiety disorder emphasizes major differences in the causes and severity of fears.
What Causes Anxiety?
The causes of anxiety are complicated. Most patients wonder, is anxiety disorder genetic? And can anxiety be hereditary? Studies confirm that genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, and environmental stress contribute to it. People with histories of anxiety or depression in the family are at greater risk.
There's another idea called cyclical anxiety disorder, wherein long-term stress or trauma enters a cycle of anxious behavior that feeds on itself without treatment.
Identifying the Stages of Anxiety Disorder
1. Anticipatory Anxiety – Anxiety before a perceived stressful situation.
2. Acute Anxiety – Severe symptoms during the situation or trigger.
3. Avoidance Behavior – Avoiding activities or situations associated with fear.
4. Functional Impairment – Interference in daily life.
5. Chronic Anxiety – Long-term, ongoing worry or fear.
This model is part of the hierarchy of anxiety, a system therapists utilize to assist patients in gradually confronting and overcoming fears.
Symptoms and Odd Signs You Cannot Ignore
Common symptoms are a racing heart, restlessness, insomnia, or excessive worrying. Still, some notice odd symptoms of anxiety, such as:
● Tingling sensations
● Blurred vision
● Detachment from reality
● Anxiety in the head symptoms such as brain fog or perpetual negative thoughts
High-functioning people usually conceal their distress, a condition termed high-functioning anxiety disorder, where work hides extreme internal suffering.
How Long Does Anxiety Last?
The general question asked is, how long will anxiety last? It depends. It could be for some an event-driven transient or for others that may extend from months to years. This brings up the related question: will anxiety simply disappear over time?
Actually, through treatment and self-study, anxiety will improve. Forgetting it would allow it to develop further and/or turn into other worse levels.
Read More: 10 Signs You Need a Psychiatric Evaluation
Will Anxiety Disappear?
Can anxiety go away on its own? In some mild instances—yes, particularly if due to transitory stress. However, ongoing anxiety rarely resolves without help. The query Does anxiety go away on its own can be misleading; active treatment and lifestyle adjustment are overall required.
The difference between Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression tend to occur together, but they are not identical. Anxiety is marked by excessive fear, whereas depression is marked by profound sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. It is important to recognize this difference in anxiety and depression to choose the appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Is Schizophrenia an Anxiety Disorder?
No, that is schizophrenia, an anxiety disorder is a misconception. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic illness, whereas anxiety is a neurosis. A person suffering from schizophrenia might be suffering from anxiety syndrome too.
Most people ask, What needs to happen for a crisis to happen? In mental health, a crisis may occur when anxiety creates impaired judgment, suicidal ideation, or inability to function. At this point, immediate psychiatric help is necessary.
Different Levels of Anxiety
Anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. There are different levels of anxiety:
● Mild – Background worry, manageable.
● Moderate – Frequent symptoms, minor life disruption.
● Severe – Intense symptoms, constant fear.
● Debilitating – Inability to function, crisis-level.
Identifying your level helps determine treatment intensity.
Overcoming Fears and Healing
Many want to know, how do you overcome fear? It is exposure therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and support. Overcoming fear in steps that are not so scary, and professionally guided, loses its power eventually.
If concerned with health anxiety, get to know how to cure health anxiety by opposing catastrophic thinking and conducting an extensive medical investigation to exclude underlying health concerns.
Getting Diagnosed and Treatment
Seeking help is one of the most crucial steps. You may be asking yourself, Where do I get diagnosed with anxiety? At Transcending Psychiatry, we offer in-office and Telehealth assessments for all types of anxiety disorders.
From learning about your anxiety disorder synonym (such as nervous breakdown or panic condition) to receiving proper care, we walk with you every step of the way.
Others even look into ordering anxiety medication online, yet we highly encourage professional diagnosis and prescription for security and efficiency.
Treatment Options
1. Psychotherapy (CBT & Exposure Therapy)
2. Medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, Benzodiazepines, Beta-Blockers)
3. Lifestyle Coaching (Sleep, Nutrition, Exercise)
4. Mindfulness & Meditation
5. Support Groups
Each plan is personalized to the individual. Therapy targets the underlying causes, educates with coping skills, and develops resiliency.
Our Services: In-Person & Telehealth Care
At Transcending Psychiatry, we believe that anxiety knows no boundaries. We want to provide non-judgmental, empathetic care for teenagers (12+) and adults.
● New Jersey In-Person Appointments – For individuals who value in-person interaction.
● Telehealth Services in New Jersey and New York – Convenient access to care from the comfort of your own home.
With adolescent-specific, young adult-specific, and adult-specific care, we strive toward enduring mental well-being.
Final Thoughts: Hope Is Within Reach
It can feel like you're drowning in anxiety, but you're not alone. From the initial stages of anxiety disorder to high-functioning anxiety disorder, learning about your condition is the first step toward healing. Whether you're asking yourself if anxiety can disappear or having trouble confronting fears, professional treatment is the answer.
You deserve relief, peace, and joy.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Healing?
Don't wait until there is a crisis to get help. If you need face-to-face assistance or would rather have Telehealth services, Transcending Psychiatry can assist you.
Schedule your appointment now at Transcending Psychiatry and start your path toward enduring calm, confidence, and clarity.