Palpitation, chest tightness, breathlessness?You may be suffering from an anxiety disorder

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-19

In an ordinary office, Mr. Zhang faced the computer and suddenly felt his heart pounding and his chest tight. The colleague next to him asked with concern, "What's wrong, is it uncomfortable?"Mr. Zhang rubbed his mouth and replied hesitantly: "I don't know, I am panicked, as if I can't breathe." A colleague suggested that he see a doctor, but Mr. Zhang shook his head: "Maybe I'm just tired, just rest for a while." "However, this situation did not go away because of the break.

Similar situations are not uncommon in life. Many people experience palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing when they are stressed, but tend to ignore these symptoms. So, are these symptoms really just because of fatigue?Or, are they a sign of some kind of health problem?

In everyday life, "anxiety" is often understood simply as being overly nervous or worried. However, anxiety disorders are much more than that. It is a clinical psychological disorder that is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental stress, biochemical changes, etc. Unlike ordinary state of stress, the symptoms of anxiety disorders are more persistent and intense, seriously affecting the patient's daily life and work.

A common misconception is to confuse anxiety disorders with other physical ailments. For example, a middle-aged accountant suffers from symptoms of palpitation and chest tightness under the pressure of audit work. At first, he thought it was a heart attack, but after a doctor's diagnosis, the symptoms were actually a manifestation of anxiety. This case reveals an important fact:The physical symptoms of anxiety disorders are often mistaken for other conditions, such as heart disease or asthma.

According to the World Health Organization, about 264 million people worldwide are affected by anxiety disorders. This number highlights the prevalence and severity of anxiety disorders. However, due to misconceptions about anxiety disorders, many patients fail to obtain a proper diagnosis and**.

Anxiety disorder is not a simple psychological state, but a medical disease that requires professional **. Recognizing this is of great significance for raising awareness and concern about mental health issues in society, as well as improving patients' ** and quality of life.

When panic, chest tightness, and breathlessness become routine, it could be that anxiety is knocking on the door. Contrary to common misconceptions, anxiety disorders are not simply nervous or stressed. It is a medically recognized psychological condition that needs to be managed through professional diagnosis and **.

In the doctor's office, the process of diagnosing anxiety disorders is meticulous and systematic. First, the doctor will start by asking about the specific manifestations of the symptoms. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, constant inner restlessness, uncontrollable worry, and physical manifestations such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, or sleep disturbances. These symptoms may manifest differently in different people, but the common denominator is that they cause significant disruption to daily life.

However, symptoms alone do not completely diagnose an anxiety disorder. To rule out other physical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism, doctors often recommend physical exams, such as an electrocardiogram or blood tests. These tests help confirm that symptoms aren't caused by another health problem.

After confirming that these physical symptoms are not caused by other medical conditions, the diagnosis of anxiety disorder is clearer. At this point, your doctor may further use assessment tools, such as the Anxiety Scale, to assess the severity of your anxiety disorder. These scales can help doctors understand the extent to which anxiety affects a patient's life, so that they can develop an appropriate plan.

Understanding the diagnostic process of an anxiety disorder is crucial for people seeking help. Not only does it eliminate the possibility of confusing anxiety with other health problems, but it also ensures that patients have access to the most appropriate ** and support. The goal of this process is to help patients return to a state where they are at ease and able to enjoy life to the fullest.

Anxiety disorders, a common but misunderstood psychological problem, can actually be effective through the scientific method. In modern medicine, anxiety disorders are mainly divided into two categories: psychological and drug.

Psychological, especially cognitive-behavioral (CBT), plays a key role in anxiety disorders. This approach not only helps patients recognize and change the negative thought patterns that lead to anxiety, but also teaches them how to cope with stress and anxiety in their daily lives. One study showed that about 60% of patients who received CBT** experienced a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms after **.

In addition to psychological, medication is also an important means of controlling anxiety disorders. The most commonly used medications include antidepressants (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and anxiolytics (such as benzodiazepines). These medications help relieve anxiety symptoms by regulating the balance of brain chemicals. It is important to note that medications** usually need to be administered under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safety and efficacy.

At the same time as anxiety disorders, self-management in daily life is equally important. For example, regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and relaxation Xi can all help reduce anxiety symptoms. One study noted that regular aerobic exercise can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

Related Pages