The exact nature of what causes anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder is not fully understood at this point, but here are a few of the factors that are believed to contribute to developing generalized anxiety disorder:

Genetics

Anxiety disorder can be passed on in families, revealing that family history and genetics play a factor in developing an anxiety disorder.

Abnormal Brain Functioning

Anxiety disorders have been connected to abnormal functioning of the connection between the parts of the brain involved with thinking and emotion.

Traumatic and Stressful Life Events

Trauma such as physical or verbal abuse, a divorce, moving, or the death of someone important to you can lead to an anxiety disorder, and it can become worse during times of stress.

Withdrawal From an Addictive Substance

If you quit an addictive substance such as alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine, you may be prone to more severe bouts of anxiety.

While the symptoms of anxiety can differ from person to person, there are a few general symptoms that most individuals experience. Here are the most common anxiety disorder symptoms:

• Increased heart rate
• Faster breathing
• Feeling nervous or restless
• Sweating more often
• Feeling weak or lethargic
• Occasional muscle twitching
• A feeling of panic or dread
• Inability to focus or think clearly
• Digestive issues
• An intense desire to avoid anxiety triggers

You should only trust an expert to treat your anxiety, including the anxiety specialists at Alvarado Parkway Institute. Below are a few of the common methods to treat anxiety:

Short-Term Anxiety Medication

These medication work to remove the intense symptoms of anxiety that make it difficult to live your everyday life, acting as a sedative that can relax both your mind and body. These sedatives can be addictive and can interfere with memory, so are only for short-term use.

Long-Term Anxiety Medication

If you are looking for a long-term medication for anxiety, your doctor will likely suggest an antidepressant such as Prozac or Paxil.

Therapy

The best type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which you are taught to identify the changes in your behavior and thoughts that lead to anxiety. This will help put anxiety disorder in perspective and help you manage the symptoms.

Relaxation Techniques

If you feel anxiety or a panic attack coming, it is essential to learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to release muscle tension and calm yourself down.

Anxiety Treatment in San Diego at Alvarado Parkway Institute

Alvarado Parkway Institute is a behavioral health system and mental health treatment center in San Diego, providing treatment for a variety of ailments, illnesses, and disorders, including anxiety disorder. If you or someone you love is in search of the best anxiety treatment in San Diego, contact us today. Give Alvarado Parkway Institute a call at 619-333-7050.

CLICK FOR ANXIETY BLOGS