Typical Emotional Symptoms and Signs of Anxiety Disorder

February 8th, 2010 Posted in Mental Health

Anxiety disorders affect millions of men and women every year, and most people experience a combination of emotional and physical symptoms depending on the severity of their condition. Anxiety disorders range from generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias and social anxiety disorder, but almost all have the same spectrum of emotional symptoms that have significant effects on the person’s well-being and emotional health.

Irrational and excessive fear or worry is the trademark of all anxiety disorders. In addition, there are other emotional symptoms that are experienced frequently by most sufferers:

1. Negative thinking. Most people suffering from an anxiety disorder are always preparing for the worst, and expect negative things to happen. This can perpetuate a cycle of negative thinking, and may lead to depression, more anxiety and other problems.

2. Agitation or restlessness. Anxiety disorders often leave the person feeling uneasy or uncomfortable in certain situations. A person may even have difficulty relaxing because he or she is already engraved with the habit of having their guards up or extreme attentiveness.

3. Under constant tension. Sufferers of anxiety disorders are more than likely to feel tensed, stiffed or stressed. The United States National Mental Health Information Center at mentalhealth.samhsa.gov states that people with anxiety disorders may be “trapped in a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors such as counting or hand washing” to relieve tension.

4. Looking out for danger. A person may pay extra attention to signs of dangers and threats. They would consciously be on the lookout for danger signs in everything they do.

5. Difficulty concentrating. Anxiety disorders drain much of a person’s ability to focus and concentrate. Most people will find it hard to focus and concentrate for a long period. Some may even find it hard to do a job and stay on one place. This may appear as a symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder, but anxiety disorder is most likely the root cause of this behavior.

6. Irritable. People with anxiety disorders are irritable and easily annoyed because they usually lack rest and sleep. They may become irritated by slight changes in their schedule or routine, and can become overly sensitive to everyday situations. This can be remedied by a better handling of stress and taking the time to develop a relaxation habit.

There are several emotional symptoms of anxiety disorders that can adversely affect the sufferer’s life, and the lives of their friends and family. However, it is important to recognize these early on so that an effective treatment may be prescribed to the sufferer as soon as possible.