Anxiety Disorder: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as chronic worry, panic attacks.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
An anxiety disorder is worry or fear that has become excessive, persistent and hard to control, interfering with daily life — sometimes with sudden panic attacks that feel like a heart problem. It is one of the most common mental-health conditions and responds very well to talking therapy and, when needed, medication.
Symptoms
Excessive worry most days, hard to switch off
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Racing heart, chest tightness or shortness of breath
Trembling, sweating or stomach upset
Difficulty sleeping
Poor concentration
Sudden intense panic attacks with fear of dying
Avoiding places or situations that trigger fear
Causes & risk factors
Inherited tendency and brain chemistry
Chronic stress — finances, insecurity, work pressure
Traumatic experiences
Excess caffeine, stimulants or some medications
Thyroid and other medical conditions mimicking anxiety
Treatment & self-care
Cognitive behavioural therapy with a psychologist teaches practical skills that reliably reduce anxiety; doctors may add medication for moderate to severe cases. Regular exercise, reduced caffeine, breathing exercises and good sleep all lower the baseline. A medical check first rules out thyroid or heart conditions that mimic anxiety.
See a doctor urgently if
Worry or panic interfering with work, sleep or relationships
Chest pain — first rule out a heart problem
Avoiding normal activities out of fear
Using alcohol or sedatives to cope
Thoughts of self-harm
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Anxiety Disorder?
Early signs often include excessive worry most days, hard to switch off, restlessness or feeling on edge, racing heart, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Anxiety Disorder be treated?
Cognitive behavioural therapy with a psychologist teaches practical skills that reliably reduce anxiety; doctors may add medication for moderate to severe cases. Regular exercise, reduced caffeine, breathing exercises and good sleep all lower the baseline. A medical check first rules out thyroid or heart conditions that mimic anxiety.
When should I see a doctor about Anxiety Disorder?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: worry or panic interfering with work, sleep or relationships; chest pain — first rule out a heart problem; avoiding normal activities out of fear; using alcohol or sedatives to cope; thoughts of self-harm.
See an MDCN-verified doctor about anxiety disorder by video, audio or chat — then order medicine, book a lab test or get a home visit from the same app.