Will Anxiety Ever Go Away? How Anxiety Affects The Body

Raise your hand if you have ever been anxious, raise your hand if you are no stranger to anxiety….I see all hands are up! This article is for you(us); today we explore anxiety, its causes, symptoms, types, treatment/management; we would also look at panic attacks, the difference between worry and anxiety, anxiety and fear, the link between anxiety and depression. We would also answer questions amongst others like, what is free floating anxiety? will anxiety ever go away?

What does anxiety mean?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It is an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or worry about something that is happening or might happen in the future. According to the American psychological association, anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.

When a person feels afraid, it triggers the body’s stress response, also known as fight, flight, or freeze. This can involve cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes, such as an increase in heart rate or breathing. This response can assist humans in escaping or avoiding danger by increasing oxygen and blood flow to the muscles. People can also feel anxious about things that aren’t dangerous, such as:

important events or decisions
public speaking
social situations

Difference between anxiety and anxiety disorders

If you raised a brow, I did too. Feeling anxious does not always mean a person has a mental health condition. Many people occasionally feel anxious from time to time. But when anxiety becomes frequent, out of proportion to a situation, or persists after the situation is over, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

There’s a subtle but important distinction between anxiety and anxiety disorders.

Anxiety:
- Is a natural human emotion. It’s a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often in response to a perceived threat or challenge.
- In moderate amounts, anxiety can be beneficial. It can motivate us to prepare for exams, meet deadlines, or avoid danger.
Anxiety Disorders:
- Anxiety disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions.
- They involve excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable anxiety that significantly interferes with daily life.
- The anxiety may be disproportionate to the actual threat or may occur in the absence of any identifiable trigger.

Basically, anxiety is like a smoke alarm. It warns you of potential danger, such as a fire. Anxiety disorders are like a smoke alarm that goes off constantly, even when there’s no fire. This constant alarm disrupts daily life and can cause significant distress.

Feature	Anxiety	Anxiety Disorder
Nature	Normal human emotion; a natural response to perceived threats	A diagnosable mental health condition
Severity	Mild to moderate; typically proportionate to the situation	Excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable; significantly interferes with daily life
Trigger	Often triggered by identifiable threats or challenges	Can be triggered by minor or no apparent triggers; may be disproportionate to the situation
Impact	Can be motivating and helpful in some situations	Causes significant distress and impairment in daily functioning
Duration	Typically temporary and resolves once the threat is addressed	Persistent and ongoing, often requiring professional treatment

Anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition that goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. An anxiety disorder happens when:

Anxiety interferes with your ability to function.
Your reactions are often out of proportion to situations (overreactions).
You can’t control your responses to situations.

Symptoms of anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary depending on the type. Here are the common symptoms of anxiety.

Psychological symptoms may include:

Feeling panic, fear, dread and uneasiness.
Feeling on edge or irritable.
Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
Difficulty concentrating.

Physical symptoms may include:

Restlessness.
Heart palpitations.
Shortness of breath.
Muscle tension.
Cold or sweaty hands.
Dry mouth.
Nausea.
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia).

Types of anxiety

This is not an exhaustive list, and some individuals may experience anxiety that doesn’t neatly fit into any single category. Using the the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), here are the types:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about everyday things, often without a specific cause.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people.
Panic Disorder: Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, characterized by sudden surges of intense fear and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness.
Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or crowds.
- Specific Phobias: Fear of specific objects or situations, such as animals, heights, or enclosed spaces.
- Social Phobia: Fear of social situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people.
Agoraphobia: Fear of situations that might make you feel trapped, helpless, or embarrassed, such as crowds, wide-open spaces, or public transportation.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear or anxiety regarding separation from attachment figures, such as parents or caregivers.
Selective mutism: This condition happens when you don’t talk in certain situations because of fear or anxiety. It usually affects young children, but it can also affect adolescents and adults.

Other mental health conditions share features with anxiety disorders. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But the American Psychiatric Association classifies them as distinct conditions and not anxiety disorders.

Causes of anxiety

Chemical imbalances: Several neurotransmitters and hormones play a role in anxiety, including norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Imbalances in these chemicals can contribute to an anxiety disorder.

Brain changes: Anxiety disorders are associated with higher amygdala activity in response to anxiety signals, according to research. The amygdala is a part of the brain that plays a key role in the management of fear and anxiety.

Genetics: Anxiety disorders tend to run in biological families, suggesting that genetics may play a role. If you have a first-degree family (biological parent or sibling) with an anxiety disorder, you may be at a higher risk of getting one as well.

Environmental factors: Severe or prolonged stress can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters that regulate your mood. Chronic stress can lead to an anxiety condition. Experiencing a distressing events can also cause anxiety disorders.

The United Kingdom charity, Mind, lists several psychological factors:

Current situation: Life events that cause ongoing stress may contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder. Examples of these include financial struggles, being under pressure at work, or experiencing discrimination.

Past trauma: Traumatic events are incidents that cause an actual or perceived threat to a person’s safety. Even if these events happened a long time ago, they can still affect people years later.

Substance use: Some substances, such as stimulant drugs, can cause anxiety. Other substances may cause anxiety when a person experiences withdrawal.

Treatment for anxiety

Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to get through the day. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for these conditions.

Treatment often consists of psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Sometimes other conditions, such as PTSD or substance use disorders, may require treatment before the anxiety can be addressed.

1. Self care: Sometimes, a person can ease anxiety at home without clinical supervision. Things that may help a person cope include:

relaxation techniques
physical exercise
getting enough sleep
reducing the use of caffeine or other stimulants
talking with a trusted loved one

However, this may only be effective for mild or short-term anxiety. Those with more severe or ongoing anxiety may benefit from combining these strategies with therapy or medication.

2. Medications: Some medications can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, making the condition more manageable. Medications can’t cure an anxiety disorder. But they can improve the symptoms and help you function better. Medications for anxiety disorders often include:

Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can help with anxiety, even though they also target depression. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine, and citalopram are examples. They take several weeks to begin working.
Beta-blockers: These drugs do not stop anxiety, but they do reduce the physical symptoms associated with it, such as a rapid heartbeat. People can take them over a short period of time, or only occasionally for anxiety-inducing situations.
Benzodiazepines: These drugs act immediately to reduce anxiety, but they can quickly cause dependence or addiction. As a result, doctors only prescribe them for short-term use. Diazepam, or Valium, is a common benzodiazepine.

Some drugs work better for certain types of anxiety than others, so people should work with a knowledgeable mental health professional to find what works for them. It is important to note that some of these drugs can cause side effects, including a worsening of anxiety, when a person starts taking them. It may take several months for this to subside.

3. Psychotherapy: The term “psychotherapy,” sometimes known as talk therapy, refers to a variety of treatment procedures that attempt to help you recognize and address unhelpful feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. A mental health therapist discusses ways to help you better understand and manage an anxiety disorder. Approaches include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is the most common type of therapy used to treat anxiety disorders. CBT for anxiety teaches you how to recognize and identify thought patterns and behaviors that lead to negative emotions. You then work on altering your thoughts and reactions to triggering events.
Exposure therapy: is a type of psychotherapy that helps people overcome their fears by gradually and repeatedly exposing them to the things they fear. This helps them learn to cope with anxiety and break the cycle of avoidance. It’s often used to treat phobias, social anxiety, and PTSD.

How to prevent anxiety

Healthy lifestyle: Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
Reduce stress: Try activities you enjoy, spend time with friends and family, and spend time in nature.
Practice relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing, meditation, or aromatherapy.
Use the 333 rule: When you’re feeling anxious, look around and identify three objects, three sounds, and move three body parts.
Practice mindfulness: Learn about anxiety and try to be assertive.
Avoid substances: Don’t use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, or drugs to relieve anxiety.
Journal: Journaling can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Talk to a professional: If your anxiety is affecting your everyday life or relationships, you should speak to a health care provider.

Other strategies include:

Cognitive therapy, Exposure therapy, Structured problem solving, Support groups, Behavioral therapy, Reading, Spirituality, and Thought reframing.

Difference between anxiety and fear

Fear

Triggered by: A specific, immediate, and identifiable threat.
- Examples: A loud noise, a sudden movement, a dangerous animal.
Focus: Directed towards a known or perceived danger in the present moment.
Physical Response: Often involves the “fight-or-flight” response: increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, muscle tension.
Motivational: Fear can be a powerful motivator, prompting us to take action to avoid or escape danger.

Anxiety

Triggered by:
- Unknown or Implied Threats: Worry about future events, potential dangers, or uncertain outcomes.
- Internal Factors: Can arise from internal concerns about self-worth, performance, or social situations.
Focus: Often broader and more diffuse, encompassing a range of worries and concerns.
Duration: Can be longer-lasting and more persistent than fear, sometimes with no identifiable trigger.
Physical Symptoms: Similar to fear, but may also include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

Simply put:

Imagine walking in the woods and suddenly encountering a bear. Fear would be your immediate, intense reaction to the immediate danger. Imagine worrying about encountering a bear while hiking in the woods, even though you haven’t seen any signs of one. This anticipatory worry would be an example of anxiety.

Difference between worry and anxiety

Feature	Worry	Anxiety
Nature	A normal, everyday emotion. Often a mild and temporary concern.	A more intense and persistent emotional state. Can be a symptom of an underlying anxiety disorder.
Focus	Often focused on a specific concern or problem. Can be problem-solving oriented.	Can be more diffuse, with a broader range of concerns, often without a specific trigger.
Intensity	Generally mild and manageable.	Can be intense and overwhelming, causing significant distress.
Physical Symptoms	May experience mild tension or restlessness.	Can include physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing.
Impact on Daily Life	Minimal impact on daily functioning.	Can significantly interfere with daily activities, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks

Feature	Anxiety Attack	Panic Attack
Intensity	Generally less intense than a panic attack.	Sudden and intense surge of fear and discomfort.
Duration	Can last for varying periods, often longer than a panic attack.	Typically peaks within minutes and usually subsides within 20-30 minutes.
Trigger	Often linked to a specific stressor or worry.	Can occur unexpectedly without any obvious trigger.
Physical Symptoms	May include feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.	May include intense physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain.

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. They often involve physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing. While frightening, they typically subside within 20-30 minutes.

Anxiety and depression

Feature	Depression	Anxiety
Primary Emotion	Sadness, Hopelessness, Emptiness	Worry, Fear, Nervousness
Core Symptoms	Sadness, Anhedonia (loss of interest), Fatigue, Changes in appetite/sleep, Low self-esteem, Feelings of guilt/worthlessness, Suicidal thoughts	Excessive worry, Restlessness, Irritability, Difficulty concentrating, Muscle tension, Sleep disturbances
Trigger	Life events, Genetics, Neurochemical imbalances	Specific situations, Internal thoughts, No apparent cause
Focus	Low mood, loss of interest	Excessive worry, fear of the unknown
Duration	Persistent and ongoing	Can be persistent, but may also occur in episodes or be triggered by specific situations
Timing	Not necessarily tied to the menstrual cycle	Not necessarily tied to the menstrual cycle

Depression and anxiety often co-occur, and their symptoms can overlap. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional.

Anxiety and depression icd 10 code

The ICD-10 code for mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD) is F41.2:

ICD-10 code	Description
F41.2	Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, where neither anxiety nor depression is clearly predominant

The World Health Organization (WHO) added MADD to the ICD-10 in 1990 because it’s often seen in general health care settings. The condition is characterized by subsyndromal symptoms of anxiety and depression, where neither type of symptom is present to the extent that justifies a diagnosis if considered separately.

Other ICD-10 codes related to mood disorders include:

F321: Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
F3489: Other specified persistent mood disorders
F349: Persistent mood [affective] disorder, unspecified
F39: Unspecified mood [affective] disorder
F32.0: Mild depressive episode
F30: Manic episode
F31. Bipolar affective disorder

F41. 2 Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. This category should be used when symptoms of anxiety and depression are both present, but neither is clearly predominant, and neither type of symptom is present to the extent that justifies a diagnosis if considered separately.

What is free floating anxiety

I am just realizing what I experience every now and then is called free floating anxiety. Free-floating anxiety is a general feeling of anxiety or uneasiness that is not connected to a specific situation or object. It can be difficult to predict because it can appear for no apparent reason.