The Emotional Signs and Effects of Anxiety Disorders

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. There are different types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and many others. However, these different classifications of anxiety disorder all exhibit common physical effects and emotional symptoms.

Anxiety disorders are primarily characterized by extreme irrational and unreasonable fear or worry. In addition, there are other emotional symptoms that are experienced frequently by most sufferers:

1. Expecting the worst. Most people suffering from an anxiety disorder are always preparing for the worst, and expect negative things to happen. In other words, sufferers are in a cycle of negative thinking, which further worsens the problem and leads to depression.

2. Always restless and agitated. A person with anxiety disorder always feels uncomfortable generally or in specific 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. Feeling jumpy or tense on a regular basis. Most people who have even the mildest forms of anxiety disorder will feel as though they are always on the edge, or have to “walk on eggshells.” The United States National Mental Health Information Center at mentalhealth.samhsa.gov, explains that people with anxiety disorders may constantly fidget or develop other habits to diminish the feeling of anxiety and tension.

4. Watching for signs of danger. A person may pay extra attention to signs of dangers and threats. Most people who have anxiety disorders will always be on the lookout for danger, and be very careful about where they go or what they do.

5. Difficulty concentrating. When most of the day is spent being preoccupied with worry, anxiety and fear, people with anxiety disorders can find it very difficult to stay focused and concentrate. This can cause a person to struggle remaining in one place to study, write, or complete any other task. Symptoms may be recognized as ADD or ADHD, but in many cases, the root cause is an anxiety disorder.

6. Easily annoyed. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders do not get enough rest or sleep, and this can make them especially irritable or aggravated throughout the day. They may become irritated by slight changes in their schedule or routine, and can become overly sensitive to everyday situations. Relaxation methods and taking enough rest will improve a sufferer’s condition, although these habits would need to be developed over time.

The emotional impact of anxiety disorders can negatively affect people’s life, jobs, and relationships. However, it is important to recognize these early on so that an effective treatment may be prescribed to the sufferer as soon as possible.