Severe Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by everyone at some point in life. However, when anxiety becomes persistent and overwhelming, it may indicate a severe anxiety disorder. This condition can lead to both emotional and physical symptoms that significantly impact daily life. Emotional symptoms include panic attacks and a sense of mental breakdown, while physical manifestations may involve heart palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling, chest tightness, and pain. Below is a detailed overview of the symptoms and treatment options for severe anxiety disorder.

Emotional Symptoms of Severe Anxiety

During episodes of severe anxiety, individuals often feel intense fear, worry, or dread. These emotional responses can be so overwhelming that they interfere with normal functioning. Common emotional symptoms include:

Unexplained Fear

People may experience sudden, unexplained feelings of fear without any clear reason. For example, they may develop irrational fears of the dark, furry animals, sharp objects like knives and scissors, or even irrational concerns like someone hiding under the bed. Even individuals who are typically confident may feel inexplicable fear without being able to identify the source.

Mental Breakdown Sensation

Those affected often feel as though their mind is racing uncontrollably, leading to a sense of confusion and helplessness. They may fear losing control or "going crazy," which further intensifies their anxiety. It is important to note that while this sensation can be terrifying, it does not indicate a psychotic episode or mental breakdown.

Physical Symptoms of Severe Anxiety

Alongside emotional distress, severe anxiety often triggers overactivity in the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a range of physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and muscle tension. These include:

Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Individuals may experience muscle pain, stiffness, twitching, shaking limbs, chattering teeth, and a trembling voice. These symptoms can make movement feel uncomfortable or restricted.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Heart-related symptoms include rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, a sensation of blood vessel pulsation, lightheadedness, and the feeling that the heart might skip a beat.

Respiratory Symptoms

Many people report feeling short of breath, experiencing tightness in the chest, or having a sensation of choking or suffocation during anxiety attacks.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Physical discomfort may also manifest in the digestive system, including difficulty swallowing, stomach pain after eating, burning sensations in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting.

Treatment Options for Severe Anxiety

When anxiety begins to interfere with daily life, professional help is essential. If self-help strategies are not effective, it is crucial to consult a mental health professional. Under medical supervision, several types of medications can be used to manage severe anxiety. Common treatment options include:

Benzodiazepines

These are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety relief. Examples include Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Oxazepam (Serax). These drugs provide fast-acting anti-anxiety effects and may also induce sedation and sleep.

Antidepressants

Medications such as Paroxetine (Paxil), Venlafaxine (Effexor), and Escitalopram (Lexapro) are frequently used to treat both depression and anxiety. They are considered first-line treatments for long-term anxiety management due to their effectiveness and safety profile.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Drugs like Buspirone (BuSpar) and Tandospirone (Sediel) are specifically designed to target anxiety. While they are effective, they tend to take longer to produce noticeable results compared to other medications.

The Role of Physical Activity in Managing Anxiety

In addition to professional treatment, incorporating regular physical activity into daily life can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Exercise helps reduce stress hormones, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Engaging in activities like walking, jogging, yoga, or cycling can help individuals release built-up tension and clear their minds. When anxiety strikes, taking time to focus on physical movement rather than anxious thoughts can significantly reduce emotional distress and restore a sense of balance and energy for daily tasks.

References

[1] Yuan Liping. Psychology Lecture Notes. Changchun: Jilin Publishing Group Co., Ltd., 2019: 140–141.

[2] Tang Zugui. Symptoms and Treatment of Anxiety Disorder. Family Life Guide, 2021, 37(1): 125.