You suffer from fears that are very prominent and lead to severe panic reactions. Common fears include fear of going outside, fear of small spaces, fear of heights, fear of spiders, fear of being with (or without) other people, and fear that something bad will happen if a certain action is not performed.
In brief
An anxiety disorder causes intense fears and worries in daily life, even when there is no real danger. This can be very frightening and exhausting. Fortunately, help is available. Treatment may include counseling, therapy, self-help strategies, and sometimes medication.
At Synthese , we Synthese personalized treatment plans designed to help you regain control of your life. You’re not in this alone; we’re here to support you on your journey to recovery.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition that causes you to constantly worry about all kinds of everyday issues. People with this disorder experience excessive anxiety and tension, even when there is no immediate cause for concern. This worrying can focus on various aspects of life, such as work, health, relationships, and financial situation. The constant worrying can lead to physical complaints such as headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue.
People with generalized anxiety disorder often have difficulty controlling their worries, which can affect their daily functioning. They may feel restless, irritable, and easily fatigued, and often have problems with concentration and sleep. This disorder can also co-occur with other anxiety disorders, depression, or physical complaints.
Causes of an anxiety disorder
The causes of anxiety disorders are often complex and can include genetic, educational, and environmental factors. Sometimes these disorders arise after a traumatic event or due to a physical illness, medication use, or drugs.
Treatment
Treatment for an anxiety disorder can consist of several components:
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Exposure Therapy: Helps you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause anxiety, in order to reduce that anxiety.
Medication
Although medication may sometimes be necessary to reduce symptoms, it is often avoided in cases of anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy is the preferred treatment.
Lifestyle advice and self-management (self-care)
Regular exercise, good sleep, healthy eating, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Psychoeducation
This will help you learn more about your anxiety disorder and how to manage it. Family and friends can also be involved to support you.
What do you notice?
- Worrying
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Tension
- Fatigue
- Muscle complaints
- Sleep problems
Treatment Methods
Panic disorder
With panic disorder, you suffer from recurring panic attacks. Read more about panic disorders on our panic disorder page.
Want to know more?
Please contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support you on your path to recovery.
We are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following telephone number:
