Anxiety is an unrealistic feeling of fear, dread or danger from an unknown source. Anxiety may be acute or chronic. There are several different types of anxiety: acute situational anxiety, adjustment disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder.
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety leads to the activation of the body's fight or flight defense mechanisms. During high states of anxiety excess adrenalin is discharged from the adrenal glands and the breakdown of adrenalin known as catecholamines can affect the organs of various parts of the body. Usually when the person tries to avoid the situation this causes more anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety range from a vague feeling that something undesirable or harmful is about to happen to physical abnormalities. The physical abnormalities associated with anxiety include dry mouth, swallowing difficulty, hoarseness, rapid breathing and heartbeat, palpitations, twitching, trembling, muscle tension, headaches, backache, sweating, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, faintness, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, sleeplessness, irritability, fatigue, nightmares, memory problems, and sexual impotence.
advertisement
Find more information
Advertisement
Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is for the sole purpose of
being informative. This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical
advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse
Or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or
for answers to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please discontinue use
of MyElectronicMD and call 911 now.
Nothing contained on or provided through the service is intended to be or is
to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Your use of this site is subject to certain terms and conditions.
