What anxiety disorders are
Feeling anxious before challenges is normal. In anxiety disorders, the alarm response fires often, too strongly and out of control, causing distress and avoidance. The main ones are:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: excessive, hard-to-control worry about many areas of life
- Panic disorder: sudden attacks of intense fear with strong physical symptoms, and fear of new attacks
- Phobias: intense fear of specific situations or objects, or of social situations, leading to avoidance
Signs and symptoms
- Constant worry and a sense that something bad will happen
- Muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue
- Poor concentration and irritability
- Insomnia, especially difficulty falling asleep
- In panic attacks: racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, dizziness, tingling and fear of dying or losing control
- Avoiding places, travel or meetings out of fear
How it is diagnosed
The psychiatrist assesses symptoms, how long they have lasted, their triggers and their impact. Because anxiety can be caused by medical problems (thyroid disease, heart rhythm disorders), medications, caffeine and other substances, a medical review is part of the assessment, along with screening for depression.
Treatment
- Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, with strong evidence in anxiety disorders
- Medication, when indicated, chosen individually and reviewed regularly; long-term use of benzodiazepine sedatives is avoided because of the risk of dependence
- Habits: sleep, exercise and less stimulant use
When to see a psychiatrist
When anxiety is daily, panic attacks recur, you start avoiding important situations, or symptoms affect work, sleep and relationships.
Follow-up at the practice
At Dr. Petrus Raulino’s practice in Campinas, the assessment includes a full history and a review of medical causes. The treatment plan is explained clearly and adjusted at follow-up visits, in person or by video.
Staging: text awaiting medical review by Dr. Petrus before publishing.
This content is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an individual assessment. In crisis or having thoughts of suicide? In Brazil call 188 (CVV, 24 hours, free) or go to the nearest emergency room. In an emergency, call 192 (SAMU).