However, when anxiety becomes a constant companion in our lives and creates an excessively negative attitude towards any event, it cannot be considered normal – this is already heightened anxiety, interfering with normal existence and communication.
“Increased anxiety is a condition in which a person experiences excessive worry, fear, or tension, even when there are no obvious reasons for it. Unlike regular anxiety, which arises in response to specific events (such as before an exam or an important meeting), increased anxiety can manifest without visible reasons and last for a long time,” shared psychiatrist Mikhail Kashtanov in a conversation with MedikForum.ru.
He noted that this condition can be both an independent phenomenon and a symptom of more complex mental disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder). An imbalance in neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin and dopamine), which regulate mood and emotions, as well as the functioning of the human nervous system, can contribute to the development of anxiety. Often, a heavy traumatic experience accompanied by stressful events that leave a mark on the psyche can trigger heightened anxiety.
Symptoms of anxiety:
Constant feeling of anxiety, sense of impending doom, anticipation of the worst
Irritability, outbursts of anger, inability to control oneself
Fear of losing control, excessive fear of the unknown
Excessive caution, difficulties in decision-making
Physical manifestations: rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremors,
dizziness, muscle tension, sleep problems, fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbances.
According to the psychiatrist, heightened anxiety can arise from emotional exhaustion and may signal that the body needs rest and recovery.
“Persistent anxiety can be a sign of physical exhaustion. Overwork, lack of sleep, and an imbalance between work and personal life often exacerbate this condition. Anxiety can also be linked to suppressed emotions, such as anger, sadness, or fear. If a person is unable to express these feelings, they can transform into chronic anxiety.”
Anxiety can also arise as a symptom of somatic illnesses.
Thyroid disorders: hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms of anxiety.
Cardiovascular diseases: susceptibility to anxiety can occur with arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease.
Hormonal imbalances: adrenal disorders can contribute to the development of anxiety.
Neurological disorders: epilepsy or brain tumors, as well as dementia, often manifest external symptoms in the form of anxiety.
When to see a doctor? The speaker clarified that even positive life changes can trigger anxiety as a reaction to the unknown. But if anxiety persists (lasts more than a few weeks), disrupts daily life, work, or relationships, it becomes a problem that requires professional help.
It is also advisable to visit a therapist if the anxious state is accompanied by unfavorable physical symptoms (such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or sweating).
Source: med2.ru