CONDITIONS

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SUFFER FROM ANXIETY?

The body has an authentic reaction to stress, and anxiety is just one of the responses. Nervousness, sweats, fear and panic are common signs of anxiety that influences how a person thinks and reacts in certain situations. These symptoms can affect daily functions, making it challenging to go through life with this mindset and fear. Every patient's treatment plan will vary, but all plans incorporate cognitive behavioural therapy and anti-anxiety medication.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ANXIETY?

Panic disorder is a syndrome characterised by persistent, recurrent unexpected panic attacks

Signs of panic attacks are:

• Sweating often ​
• Nausea/vomiting, especially in stressful situations ​
• Heart arrhythmia ​
• Tingling sensation in the hands or feet ​
• Difficulty breathing ​
• Dryness inside the mouth ​
• Panic ​
• Fear ​
• Obsessive behaviour ​
• Difficulty sleeping

WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY?

Prolonged stress due to chemical imbalances is one of the primary reasons for anxiety. Sudden trauma or injury may also cause anxiety. Just like eye colour, a person may inherit anxiety from a close or distant relative.

When do you need to see your psychiatrist?

It’s time to see a psychiatrist when you experience recurrent episodes of a panic attack that feels like a heart attack. Sometimes as a precaution, you can go to the intensive care unit when having a panic attack. At that moment, your healthcare practitioner will check your health status and prescribe medication if necessary

HOW DO YOU TREAT ANXIETY?

There are certain medications a psychiatrist can prescribe to reduce episodes of a panic attack.

These medications are:

• Anti-anxiety medication minimises panic attacks and relieves stress. At times anti-anxiety medicine is combined with antidepressants to speed up treatment.
• Antidepressants improve your mood, reducing the risk of an attack. It takes time before the full effects of the drugs begin to show. You can discontinue its use after consulting with your psychiatrist.
• Beta-blockers are usually prescribed to treat hypertension but can alleviate a rapid heartbeat, including the shakes.

FAQ