Psychiatry Commonly Asked Question: When Is Anxiety a Serious Concern?

anxiety psychiatry Houston, TX

Any psychiatrist will tell you that experiencing anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxiety is an expected reaction to stress and in particular situations, it can be beneficial. However, anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of anxiousness or nervousness and involve excessive anxiety or fear. Fortunately, anxiety disorders can be treated and several effective treatments are available. Treatment can help you lead a normal and productive life.

Psychiatrist for anxiety

Anxiety disorder is basically an umbrella term that includes multiple conditions. Some types of anxiety disorders are panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and separation anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can be treated by many different types of mental health professionals including a psychiatrist. However, it is important for people to know when to seek medical help. Here are some circumstances when anxiety is a serious concern.

Problems functioning

For a patient to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety or fear must hinder a person’s ability to function properly. Anxiety disorders can cause distress that can keep people from carrying on with their lives normally. For some people, fear and worry are overwhelming and constant and can even be disabling. A person who is worrying too much and it is interfering with work, relationships or other parts of the individual’s life should see a doctor.

Seeing a doctor is also recommended if the fear, anxiety or worry is upsetting to a person and hard to control. People who are depressed, have trouble with drug abuse or alcohol or have other mental health issues together with anxiety or who think the anxiety can be linked to a physical health complication should also seek medical assistance. Seeking emergency treatment is recommended for people who have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The problems may not go away without any help and may get worse over time if a person does not seek help.

Inappropriate response to a situation

There are cases where anxiety or fear can be out of proportion to a particular situation or be age-inappropriate. This can lead to a person being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. People with a separation anxiety disorder are excessively anxious or fearful about separation from people they are attached to. The feeling is usually not appropriate for a person’s age and can cause problems functioning. People with this type of anxiety disorder may be worried persistently about losing people who are close to them, may refuse or be reluctant to go out or sleep away from home or without some people or may experience nightmares about separation.

Takeaway

An anxiety disorder is diagnosed if a patient has an altered way of life because of the anxiety or has an inappropriate response to a particular situation. With proper treatment, a person can get back to a fulfilling life. If you think you have symptoms, see your doctor or psychiatrist. You should take this step before your anxiety gets worse. It is easier to treat it if you get the needed help at the right time.

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