Anxiety - Rejuvenate HRT Clinic

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent, excessive worry or fear about everyday situations. It affects over 40 million adults in the United States alone, making it the most prevalent mental illness. What causes anxiety? Anxiety disorders have no single cause. Multiple factors likely interact to produce the disorder, such as:

• Genetics: Anxiety disorders often run in families, suggesting they have a genetic component. Certain gene variants may increase risk.
• Brain chemistry: People with anxiety have abnormally high activity in brain areas involved in emotional responses, particularly the amygdala. Neurotransmitter imbalances likely contribute as well.
• Environmental factors: Trauma, abuse, stress, and parenting practices may trigger or worsen anxiety, especially in childhood.

What are the main symptoms? The core symptoms of anxiety involve excessive, irrational fear and dread regarding everyday situations. Common symptoms include:

• Nervousness, restlessness, or feeling "on edge"
• Fatigue, trouble concentrating, or sleep disturbances
• Muscle tension
• Panic attacks

The specific symptoms experienced depend on the type of anxiety disorder. For example, social anxiety disorder involves intense fear around social interactions, while generalized anxiety disorder produces diffuse, exaggerated worry about many domains. What are the major types of anxiety disorders? The main types are:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Panic disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Separation anxiety

How is anxiety treated? Today anxiety is highly treatable. Effective options include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Relaxation techniques and stress management
• Exposure therapy, which gradually