Anxiety

What are the major types of anxiety?

There are several types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
• Specific phobias
• Agoraphobia
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Selective mutism

Related conditions include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Adjustment disorder
• Acute stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

In general, anxiety refers to anticipation of future concern and is often associated with muscle tension and avoidance behavior.

How do I know if it is anxiety or anger?

During anxious and angry moments, it’s common to experience any combination of the following:

• Rapid heart rate
• Chest tightness
• Tight or clenched muscles
• Rushes of heat
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea)
• Tension headaches

Symptoms dissipate quickly under normal circumstances. However, they can become concerning if patients experience long-term reoccurrences of anxiety or anger.

Can anxiety cause explosive anger?

Although anxiety disorders are typically characterized by social withdrawal, inhibition and shyness, and discomfort in social expression, some individuals express intense and out-of-proportion aggression.

Studies show adolescents with certain types of anxiety like GAD, social anxiety, specific phobia, and panic disorder are more likely to experience anger outbursts and repeated attacks.

What are some treatments for anxiety?

At Infinity Care, personalized treatment plans for anxiety may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to identify unhealthy thought patterns that are worsening your anxiety or anger. Working with a skilled therapist trained in CBT helps to pinpoint what triggers fear or anger. 

Once these triggers are identified, you can learn to reframe your thoughts in a way that allows you to manage anxiety and anger better. This type of therapy also treats depression.

Psychotherapy

Although each anxiety disorder has unique characteristics, most respond well to psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, and medications. Treatments can be given alone or in combination.

Medications

Anti-anxiety medications are commonly used and generally prescribed only for a short time. Sometimes, antidepressants are recommended. Beta-blockers (used for heart conditions) can help to manage physical symptoms.

Support groups

In-person and online support groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and coping strategies. Learning more about the specifics of a disorder can also help family and friends understand the condition better. 

Lifestyle modifications

Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, and massage are great ways to reduce the stress that excessive anxiety and anger can cause.

Many of the interventions and strategies that work to calm anxiety are also very effective ways to manage anger.

To learn more about anxiety and treatment options available, call Infinity Care to schedule an in-person or telehealth visit. You can also request an appointment online, at your ease and convenience.