Traditional Treatments For Anxiety Disorders
Treating anxiety disorders requires a combination of coping treatments and professional medical help. However, a lot of people who have anxiety disorders do not seek medical treatment which can make them suffer needlessly. An estimated one-third of people with these conditions never seek treatment. 3
Who Is This Social Anxiety Quiz For
This brief assessment is for people who experience anxiety in social situations. Take this quiz to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder
The questions listed below relate to life experiences common among people who have been diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder.
Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few months.
Keep Calm And Take The Anxiety Test
29 June 2021 | 5min read
This article was originally published on My Mental Health on 13 October 2020.
Amid this pandemic, it can be normal to feel anxious about academic performance, job security, or even catching coronavirus through commuting via public transport. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives. It plays an important role in keeping us safe from perceived threats and preparing us for stressful situations. However, anxiety that is continuous, excessive, and difficult to control to the point of interfering with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalised anxiety disorder.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worrying. People with GAD may constantly expect disasters and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. They find it difficult to control their anxiety even when there are no clear reasons for concern. Sometimes, just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety. People with GAD struggle to stop their cycle of continuous worrying and feel that it is beyond their control. This is even when they realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation requires.
General symptoms of GAD can vary and may include:
Physical signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension or muscle aches
- Trembling feeling twitchy
- Nervousness or being easily startled
- Sweating
- Nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Irritability
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What Is Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, often given the acronym SAD, is a condition that interferes with a persons ability to engage with others in their life. It manifests in numerous ways, and it isnt always obvious that a person is experiencing a social anxiety disorder.
For example, someone in your life who seems as confident as can be in social situations might be experiencing a terrible amount of anxiety each time they prepare to leave the house. They might also be feeling a number of symptoms as they talk to you, appearing to be as bubbly as ever.
Typically, the fear/anxiety a person experiences is in response to a situation that has a potential to be embarrassing or painful. Rejection, embarrassment, mockery, scrutinization, and failure come to mind often in people experiencing SAD.
Most people with this condition understand that their fears are unfounded. Sure, there is always a slight possibility that things can go terribly wrong in any situation for any person, but those situations are often once in a lifetime or absent from a persons life.
Someone suffering from social anxiety might dread the thought of meeting up with their closest childhood friend, for example, knowing full-well that the person loves and accepts them as they are.
Anxiety In Adolescents And Young People
Many studies suggest that anxiety can begin early in life, particularly in young adulthood.8 According to an article in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, anxiety is the most common mental health disorder facing children and adolescents. The journal reports that an estimated 8 percent of adolescents will experience these disorders that impair abilities to function at school and make friends.
It is crucial to provide treatment early, especially in youth since these conditions at a young age can cause greater health problems down the road. Having anxiety as a child can cause problems such as:
Development of substance use disorder
Development of additional mental health disorders, such as depression
Reduced educational achievement
Researchers who published the article in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology studied all the available research on treating anxiety in young people. They found several treatment methods that were very effective in helping young people who are struggling. Examples of these treatments included:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with parent participation
Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with medications
Modeling behaviors, where parents, counselors, and even friends demonstrated ways to handle anxiety
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When To Seek Help With Anxiety
Sometimes, it is difficult to tell the difference between everyday anxiety and anxiety that requires professional help. Here are some key differences:
Everyday Stress: Worrying about paying a bill on time, a breakup, or getting a certain job.
Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety about a job prohibits applying to the job at all.
Everyday Stress: Worrying about not knowing a lot of people at a party.
Anxiety Disorder: Being so worried about being in front of people and forgo being in public to avoid possible embarrassment.
Everyday Stress: Fear of an object or animal that could be harmful such as a snake or bear.
Anxiety Disorder: Fear of a person or place that does not pose a danger to most people such as flying in a plane.
Everyday Stress: Feeling nervous before a big presentation or test.
Anxiety Disorder: Having a panic attack about a big presentation or test, or living in fear of a public panic attack.
If you or someone you know exhibits some of these signs, they should speak to a doctor about the possibility of treatment:
Not make decisions because of anxiety
Not wanting to go out in public or travel because of anxiety
Fear of sharing opinions because of worry and embarrassment
Exhaustion due to constant stress
Feeling alone because of anxiety
Panic attacks because of anxiety
Anxiety has lasted at least six months
Constantly seeking assurance or support because fear of decision making
Where Can I Get A Social Anxiety Test
Your healthcare provider is your first point of call to assess whether you might meet the criteria to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Your doctor will do an assessment to determine if your symptoms are caused by any underlying physical health conditions. Your doctor may then refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who specializes in diagnosing anxiety disorders.
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What Is Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy. People with social anxiety have an intense fear of situations where they could be watched, judged, embarrassed, or rejected by others. The symptoms are so extreme that they interfere with the persons daily routine and prevent them from taking part in ordinary activities.
Is Social Anxiety A Disability
Disability is defined as:
any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them
You could call SAD a disability according to this definition. For some people, terminology and labels are significant. For other people, these terms do not matter. Terminology can matter in many countries because diagnosis can lead to access to resources .
Social Anxiety or Autism? This is another common question in relation to diagnosis and labels.
Both SAD and Autism share social interaction issues. However, the nature of these issues are very different between the two conditions:
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SAD often involves avoidance of social interaction. This is due to the fear of negative evaluation.
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While people with Autism may also avoid social interaction, this is due to many factors, not just anxiety .
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What About Shyness Or Quietness
While shyness and general quietness arent mutually exclusive from social anxiety disorder, one doesnt always mean the other. Many people are what we would consider shy or quiet, and those normal traits can lead to some anxiety.
People who are shy might be asked to speak up or just be themselves, and this social feedback could make them think that something is wrong. Its normal and natural to be introverted or shy, so long as youre not shuttered by an underlying feeling of intense anxiety and fear around social situations.
Social anxiety disorder doesnt have to do with your personality traits so much as your internal experience surrounding social interactions.
That intense anxiety will likely interrupt your ability to conduct life in the way you otherwise would. Lets take a look at some of the symptoms that social anxiety disorder produces that prevent one from living life freely.
How Is Anxiety Treated
Treatment for anxiety typically consists of a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. CBT teaches specific skills to manage your worries and help you gradually return to the activities you have avoided because of anxiety.
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Rates Of Anxiety Disorders
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, an estimated 40 million people, 18 percent of the population, in the United States have anxiety in any given year.3 It is also possible that a person can have more than one type of anxiety at the same time. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety.2
Doctors have named several types of these types of disorders.1These include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorders: An estimated 2 percent of the population has a generalized anxiety disorder.
Panic Disorder: An estimated 2 to 3 percent of Americans have a panic disorder.
Phobia-Related Disorders: An estimated 7 to 9 percent of the population has a specific phobia disorder.
Social-Anxiety Disorder: An estimated 7 percent of the population has a social anxiety disorder.
Agoraphobia: An estimated 2 percent of people in the United States have agoraphobia.
An estimated 1 to 2 percent of the population has separation anxiety.
What To Do If Symptoms Last Longer Than Two Weeks
When symptoms of anxiety continue for more than two weeks, people are at high risk of developing an anxiety disorder such as generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. The good news is that people can and do recover from anxiety disorders. If the symptoms havent resolved within two weeks or are getting worse, we strongly recommend the following:
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You Have Severe Symptoms Of Anxiety
We know that people with severe symptoms of anxiety are having a very difficult time. We hope you are doing okay. If you are feeling unsafe, please visit the I need urgent help page.
Severe symptoms of anxiety can occur because of stressful events, like a loss, or a traumatic event. In these cases, symptoms often naturally resolve with time. However, in many cases, people with severe symptoms often have anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.
So Your Anxious Feelings Are An Anxiety Disorder Now What
Do I have anxiety, you asked.
If you learned that the answer is likely yes, your first reaction might be more anxiety. This is understandable. Let those initial emotions settle, its important to know that help is available.
There are many treatment optionsincluding medicationbut many people have found quick and sustainable relief through individual counseling. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective and widely-used therapy for anxiety disorders.
Generally, you may be able to diagnose yourself your own. However, for healing, its beneficial and suggested that you seek help from a therapist.
Finally, if youre ready to deal with the fear and worry in your life, please reach out for a consultation today. At Eddins Counseling Group, in Houston, TX we have many experienced therapists that specialize in anxiety treatment. Give us a call at 832-559-2622 or book an appointment online.
Recommended Reading: How To Tell Your Doctor You Have Anxiety
Quiz: Do I Have Social Anxiety Or Am I Just Shy
Its normal to feel a little shy from time to time. Maybe you get a little nervous when you walk into a party and you dont know anyone, or you might get a little anxious on the first day of school. Thats normal shyness, but social anxiety is something different, and it can be crippling. If you wonder if you suffer from social anxiety, this is the test for you. After you complete the test, youll know the answer to the question, Do I have social anxiety? Then, you can move forward with treatment if necessary.
Take A Mental Health Test
Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.
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Overcome Your Anxiety With Support From Our Expert Psychologists In Dubai
You probably found this page because you believe that you – or someone you know – might struggling with anxiety. Take this simple 2-minute test to find out if you have the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, and it is a potentially serious condition that can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, generalized anxiety disorder is treatable, and manageable. Remember, needing support with any mental health challenge doesnt make you weak or flawed. We all need a little extra help sometimes and our expert Dubai psychologists are here for you. Learn much more about anxiety in our recent Common Myths About Anxiety or How to Stop a Panic Attack blog posts – or our anxiety information page.
This test below is known as the General Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire. It is commonly used to screen, diagnose, monitor, and measure anxiety. This brief tool identifies the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms. Please remember that taking this test on your own is not the same as getting a clinical diagnosis. To do that, you must reach out to a psychologist. Our team is here to help.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you overcome your anxiety. Contact us however you feel most comfortable, whether its through email, WhatsApp, webform, , Instagram message, Facebook chat whatever works best for you! Our goal is to make you comfortable.