Although generalized anxiety is a subtype, feeling anxiety is usually a symptom rather than a disorder on its own. People with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) are particularly at risk, although most mood disorders also feature anxiety.
Panic disorder and social anxiety are the two main conditions that feature anxiety most prominently. It is common for addicts to experience anxiety related to their behaviors, so talking to a psychiatrist and assessing whether dual diagnosis treatment is appropriate is recommended. Our anxiety treatment center at New Start Recovery is part of our larger mental health treatment program for those struggling with addiction.
When Does Anxiety Become a Disorder?
The Physical and Mental Symptoms of Anxiety
If you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety, it is important most of all to remember that only a licensed psychiatrist can make an official diagnosis. Since New Start Recovery firmly believes in getting those struggling with a substance use disorder and mental health concern the dual diagnosis treatment they need, we partner with a local psychiatric group to offer clients professional psychological evaluations. Getting addiction treatment and appropriate medications simultaneously could be the 180-degree turn you or your loved one needs to start their recovery.
Anxiety takes both a physical and emotional toll on individuals. Some common physical symptoms of anxiety include:
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
- Uncontrollable fidgeting
- Dry mouth
- Cold, numb, or tingling extremities
- Abnormal sweating
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Intense worrying
- Trouble focusing
- Panics easily
- Excessive fear
- Excessive worry
- Inability to concentrate
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Panic disorder is a severe form of anxiety where the fear sends the body into a defensive state of emergency. Real panic attacks are not just people being overdramatic or seeking attention. Similar to how seizures take over the body unwillingly, panic attacks are debilitating and cause the person’s mind to race rapidly out of control. Physical symptoms of panic attacks include heart racing, sweating, nausea, hyperactive breathing, and other pains/involuntary movements.
- Social anxiety is an overwhelming fear of interaction with other people. This is not just a casual “I don’t want to” feeling. It’s a fear that’s paralyzing and creates physical symptoms of sickness. People with social anxiety are more likely to isolate, so their substance abuse may fly under the radar.
- Anxiety is a symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
- Almost all individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder experience anxiety.