Everyone gets anxious, restless, and frazzled.
But if you constantly feel worried, tense, or on edge, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear.
Find out what could be making your anxiety worse.
Like so many health conditions, anxiety appears to run in families.
Theres a clear link between caffeine and anxiety, and also alcohol and anxiety.
And certain medications may cause anxiety.
In this case, avoiding caffeine and alcohol or changing medications may reduce the anxiety.
Psychologists focus more on psychotherapy and are not medical doctors.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health treatment.
Both psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose andtreat anxietydisorders with psychotherapy, and psychiatrists can also prescribe medications.
Additionally, if you have anxiety with suicidal thoughts, seek emergency medical treatment immediately or call 988.
Could any of the following be causing your anxiety?
While a panic attack is not a heart attack, theres a relationship between heart problems and anxiety.
Anxiety Disorders Are Linked to Alcohol and Drugs
There is a strong link between alcohol and anxiety.
About 20 percent of people withsocial anxiety disorderalso have an alcohol or substance abuse disorder,notes the ADAA.
Caffeines jittery effects on your body are similar to those of a frightening event.
And beware of any product containing ephedra it can cause increased heart rate and anxiety.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)banned the saleof dietary supplements containing ephedra in 2004.
Are Anxiety Symptoms Related to Your Thyroid Gland?
Thethyroidis a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that producesthyroid hormones.
These hormones are important for regulating yourmetabolismand energy levels.
If you have unexplained symptoms of anxiety, talk with your doctor.
Anxiety disorders are treatable.
Iliades also writes a regular blog for The Pulse, a website for fetal health and pregnancy.
Iliades is board-certified in Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery.