Living with anxiety can be incredibly difficult. Not only is it mentally and emotionally draining, but it can also be physically taxing. Many people who suffer from anxiety don’t know how to get help. They may feel like they are alone in their struggles, or that they are the only ones who don’t “have it together.” This is not the case! Millions of people struggle with anxiety daily. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about getting an anxiety diagnosis. We will talk about what symptoms to look for, and how to find the right therapist or doctor for you.
Contents
Defining Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience at different times in our lives. It is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. We may feel anxious about an upcoming exam, job interview, or first date. While anxiety is a normal emotion, it can become problematic when it is constant and interferes with our daily lives. When this happens, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the world. Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent, excessive, and unreasonable worry that interferes with daily activities. People with anxiety disorders may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety due to fear of having a panic attack or feeling embarrassed. As a result, anxiety disorders can significantly interfere with work, school, and social functioning.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive and chronic worry about a variety of topics, including work, school, or personal relationships
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations, such as meeting new people or speaking in public
- Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are episodes of intense fear or terror that can occur without warning
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of anything that reminders the individual of the traumatic event
Symptoms
There are a variety of different symptoms that may be indicative of an anxiety disorder. It is important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and not everyone will experience all of the following symptoms:
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, sweating, shaking, difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest pain, upset stomach
- Mental symptoms: feeling restless or on edge, feeling easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, easily frustrated, feeling like your mind is going blank
- Emotional symptoms: feeling fear or terror that is out of proportion to the situation, feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Behavioral symptoms: avoiding activities or situations that trigger anxiety, withdrawing from social activities, excessive alcohol or drug use
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms regularly, you may have an anxiety disorder. It is important to consult with a mental health professional to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis For Anxiety
Now that we have discussed some signs anxiety presents itself, we will move on to the process of diagnosis.
The first step is to consult with a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This professional will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether you are experiencing anxiety. The assessment will likely include a clinical interview and one or more psychological tests.
If the mental health professional determines that you are struggling with anxiety, they will likely diagnose you with an anxiety disorder. The specific diagnosis will be based on the type of anxiety disorder, as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. It is important to note that there is no single test that can diagnose an anxiety disorder. Instead, the diagnosis will be based on a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional.
Psychological Diagnosis
The mental health professional will likely use a combination of a clinical interview and one or more psychological tests to diagnose an anxiety disorder. The clinical interview will assess your symptoms, as well as your personal and family history. Psychological tests may be used to assess your thinking, mood, and behavior.
There are a variety of different psychological tests that can be used to diagnose an anxiety disorder. Some of the most common include the following:
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI): is a long-form test that assesses a variety of different areas, including personality, psychopathology, and social functioning
- Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A): is a scale that assesses the severity of anxiety symptoms
- Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) is a scale that assesses the severity of OCD symptoms
- Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI): is a scale that assesses the severity of PTSD symptoms
- Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule for DSM-IV (ADIS-IV): is a structured interview that assesses the presence and severity of anxiety disorders
- Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC): is a questionnaire that assesses the presence of anxiety in children and adolescents
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): is a short-form self-report test that measures the severity of symptoms related to depression
- State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI): is a self-report test that measures both state and trait anxiety
- Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale for Children (STAS): is a self-report test that measures both state and trait anxiety in children.
These are just a few of the psychological tests that may be used to diagnose an anxiety disorder. The specific tests used will depend on the type of anxiety disorder, as well as the symptoms you are experiencing.
In addition, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) includes specific criteria that must be met in order to receive a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. The mental health professional will assess whether you meet the criteria for a specific anxiety disorder, such as OCD, PTSD, GAD, etc.
Physical Diagnosis
Anxiety disorders are primarily diagnosed through clinical interviews and psychological testing. However, your doctor may also order lab tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to rule out any other potential causes of your symptoms. Some common physical ailments or conditions that may contribute to anxiety symptoms include:
- Heart disease
- Weak immune system
- Thyroid problems
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Gastric or digestive issues
- Angina (reduction of blood flow to the heart)
- Respiratory disorders
- Anemia
- Substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
If you have any of these conditions, your physician may work on a treatment for these conditions to reduce the anxiety symptoms.
When To Seek Diagnosis For Anxiety
Now that we know a little more about how to get an anxiety diagnosis, it’s important to know when to seek help. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult with a mental health professional:
- Excessive worry or stress that is interfering with your daily life
- Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or irritability
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Nausea, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal problems
- Sweating or trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Avoiding certain situations or activities due to fear or anxiety
These are just some of the signs that you may need to seek out professional help. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, and you do not have to suffer alone.
Seeking a diagnosis for anxiety can be incredibly difficult. Many people who suffer from anxiety don’t know how to get help. They may feel like they are alone in their struggles, or that they are the only ones who don’t “have it together.” This is not the case! Millions of people struggle with anxiety on a daily basis.
Finding The Right Professional
If you think you may benefit from professional help, the first step is finding a mental health professional that is right for you. This may be a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, physician, or any other type of healthcare provider.
When searching for a healthcare provider for anxiety diagnosis and treatment, it’s important to keep the following things in mind. Make sure to:
- Find a provider who has appropriate experience in treating anxiety disorders.
- Check to see if the provider has a certification and/or license
- Consider your finances.
- Make sure the provider uses evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders.
- Ask about the provider’s success rates in treating anxiety disorders.
- Be sure to ask about the provider’s treatment methods and philosophies.
You should also feel comfortable with the mental health professional you choose. Be sure to trust your gut! If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular healthcare provider, it may not be the right fit for you.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you are struggling with anxiety. There are many resources available to you, and you do not have to suffer alone. With the right help, you can begin to manage your anxiety and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Things To Consider
Before approaching professional help for a mental disorder like anxiety, it’s important to consider a few things.
- The first is that there’s no shame in seeking help. Mental disorders are just like physical disorders- they require professional care and treatment.
- Second, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional that you trust. This is someone you feel comfortable talking to about your symptoms and experiences.
- It is also essential to keep finances in mind. Many mental health professionals require insurance, but there are also many affordable options available.
- Further, be ready to answer questions about your symptoms, thoughts, and feelings honestly. The more honest you are, the easier it will be for the mental health professional to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
- Remember that seeking a diagnosis is only the first step on your journey to recovery. After receiving a diagnosis, you will need to work with your mental health professional to develop a treatment plan. You may feel like you are “crazy” or “overreacting,” but it is important to remember that anxiety is a real and serious condition.
- Finally, it is most important to be patient with yourself. The process of seeking a diagnosis and treatment can be long and difficult, but it will be worth it in the end.
Receiving a diagnosis of anxiety can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. If you are considering seeking help for your anxiety, know that you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from anxiety, and many of them have found relief through treatment. So, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There is hope, and you can get better!
Treatment Options
Although anxiety does not have a permanent cure, the available treatment options have proven to be effective in managing and reducing the effects of the symptoms in everyday life. These can either be through the help of a mental health professional or by adopting strategies for self-help.
Medication
Medication for anxiety comes in many forms.
- The most common type of medication is an anti-anxiety medication, which is also known as anxiolytics. These medications work by reducing the symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, racing heart, and sweating. Anti-anxiety medication is typically used on an as-needed basis for people with mild to moderate anxiety. For people with severe anxiety, however, anti-anxiety medication may be used on a daily basis to help manage their symptoms
- Another common medication for anxiety is antidepressants. Antidepressants work by balancing the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for mood and anxiety. While they can be effective for some people, they may take several weeks to start working.
If you are considering taking medication for your anxiety, it is important to consult with a doctor or mental health professional to find out what is right for you. It can also help in monitoring the side effects, allergic reactions, as well as the efficacy of the medicines on the individual’s body.
Therapy
Therapy for anxiety can be incredibly helpful in managing symptoms and helping people to live more normal lives. Therapeutic intervention can take many different forms, but most often it is conducted by a licensed therapist or counselor.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective types of therapy for anxiety. CBT works by helping people to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to their anxiety.
- Psychotherapy, which is also known as talk therapy or counseling. It involves meeting with a therapist regularly to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Therapists can help you identify negative thought patterns and provide tools to help you cope with anxiety.
- Exposure therapy is a type of CBT that is specifically designed to help people with anxiety disorders. This type of therapy involves gradually exposing people to the things they are afraid of in a safe and controlled environment.
- Support groups can be incredibly helpful for people with anxiety disorders. Support groups provide an opportunity for people to share their experiences and struggles with others who understand what they are going through. They also offer an opportunity for people to learn coping skills and strategies from others who have been successful in managing their anxiety.
If you are considering therapy for your anxiety, it is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and who has experience treating anxiety disorders.
Self Help Tips
In addition to medication and therapy, there are several things that you can do on your own to help manage your anxiety by yourself. These include:
- One of the most important things you can do is to educate yourself about anxiety and how it affects you. The more you know about anxiety, the better equipped you will be to manage its symptoms. There are many resources available that can help you to learn more about anxiety and its treatment.
- Another self-help tip for managing anxiety is to develop a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are all important in keeping your body and mind healthy. When your body is healthy, it is better able to cope with the symptoms of anxiety.
- Another tip for managing anxiety is by indulging in journaling or other creative activities like painting or drawing. This can help you to express your feelings in a healthy and productive way. It can also be a form of self-care that can help you to relax and de-stress
- Finally, it is important to find ways to relax and reduce stress in your life. Stress can trigger or worsen the symptoms of anxiety, so it is important to find ways to reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can all help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek help from a professional. However, there are also many things that you can do on your own to help manage your anxiety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anxiety is a very treatable condition. With the help of a timely diagnosis of anxiety, and an effective treatment plan including the use of medication, therapy, and self-help techniques, many people can effectively manage their anxiety and live normal lives. If you are struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available that can help you to learn more about anxiety and its treatment.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension. If you have any queries regarding Online Anxiety Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Anxiety therapy session
