What would the symptoms of anxiety disorder look like?

Anxiety disorder generally refers to a condition characterized by excessive anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety disorder primarily include excessive emotional tension, physical discomfort, cognitive dysfunction, changes in behavior patterns, and decreased sleep quality. If these symptoms persist, they can significantly affect daily life and both mental and physical health. If symptoms last for more than two weeks and do not improve on their own, it is advisable to seek medical help promptly.

1. Excessive emotional tension: A prolonged state of unexplained anxiety and worry, heightened sensitivity to minor issues, irritability, quickness to anger, accompanied by intense feelings of unease. Individuals may find it difficult to control their emotions and constantly fear that something bad will happen.

2. Physical discomfort: Symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, and hand tremors may occur. Some individuals may also experience dizziness, headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and muscle tension or pain. These physical symptoms often lack clear organic causes.

3. Cognitive dysfunction: Difficulty concentrating, reduced memory, disorganized thinking, excessive focus on one's health, persistent rumination over trivial matters, and a tendency to get trapped in negative thought patterns.

4. Changes in behavior: Avoidance of social situations, reluctance to interact with others, or engaging in compulsive behaviors such as repeated checking or handwashing to relieve anxiety. Some individuals may experience decreased efficiency at work or school and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

5. Decreased sleep quality: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, vivid or disturbing dreams (often nightmares), light and unrefreshing sleep, and persistent fatigue upon waking. Chronic sleep disturbances can further exacerbate anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.

Maintaining a regular daily routine, avoiding late nights, engaging in moderate physical activities such as running or yoga to relieve stress, communicating openly with family and friends, minimizing negative thoughts during solitude, and cultivating hobbies to redirect attention can all be helpful in managing anxiety.