Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders - written by Scott Gillespie

So many people suffering with anxiety and panic attacks don't even realize they have it or what happening to them. Understanding the symptoms of anxiety disorders will help you deal and overcome the feelings of helplessness.

Anxiety attacks are also known as panic attacks or panic disorders or General anxiety disorder (GAD). Everybody experiences a certain level of anxiety as they approach their daily life. It is however when these anxiety levels increase beyond tolerable levels that it results in Anxiety attacks and panic disorders.

Let's put GAD in the middle for the sake of this conversation, although depending upon the symptoms, GAD could very well be closer to a 10. Between the three degrees, each one has its own range.

For example, anxiety for me may be at a 3 but for someone else may be a 1. Granted the experience of anxiety is affected by so many outside factors (situations, past experiences, coping skills, etc.), so it is not something that has a standard measurement.

Anxiety is the body's natural way of telling you that something is wrong, doesn't feel right, or prompt someone to take action.

Sudden loss of skin color or blanching

Too much perspiration or sweating

Shivering or shaking

Numbness in various parts of the body such as the head, neck, face and the shoulders

Sensations of heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion and constipation

Occurrence of the symptoms of urinary tract infection which may start as excessive urination

Symptoms of stress and anxiety are different for every sufferer. Some people only have these symptoms when faced with a fear or strong dislike, such as spiders or airplanes. Others have anxiety disorder symptoms for no apparent reason. When anxiety occurs randomly, with no apparent cause, it is called an anxiety disorder. Patients who suffer from anxiety disorders may find it difficult to cope with their daily lives. Stepping outside their home can seem like an insurmountable obstacle, and they may find it hard to attend work or school or maintain personal relationships and friendships.

There's a possibility that these stress symptoms may root from a modern bout with drug abuse or even might be the result due to a poor lifestyle. Anxiety strain symptoms may be the outcome of an individual's withdrawal from drug abuse. It could also be a side effect due to the consumption of illicit drugs. A few of the most commonly known drugs which are said to induce these stress symptoms in users include, cocaine, anti depressants and amphetamines. Some stress symptoms are said to appear due to the usage of common medicines for colds, diet pills and asthma.

Other symptoms of mild anxiety attacks include the desire to withdraw from social situations, or trouble thinking straight or reasonably. In this case, the person with a mild anxiety attack may have trouble focusing on anything for more than just briefly, because there thoughts may be racing or their internal voice may be extremely abrasive or loud.