Anxiety Disorders: Diagnosis and Clinical Management

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses associated with constant and overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear. There are several types of anxiety disorders, namely, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, separation anxiety, selective mutism, etc. Some common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders are panic, fear, uneasiness, sleep problems, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, heart palpitations, dry mouth, and nausea. There are no lab tests for the diagnosis of anxiety disorders. Examination of a patient can be done by asking questions regarding medical history. The treatments for anxiety disorder consists of medications, such as antidepressants, bupropion, beta-blockers, antipsychotics, etc. It also involves cognitive behavioral psychotherapy that helps in converting negative or panic-causing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Some measures to control and prevent anxiety disorders include seeking support, eating right and exercising. The book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of anxiety disorders. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into the field of psychiatry.