Anticipatory anxiety: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment

Anticipatory anxiety is an emotional experience that affects many people in different aspects of their lives. Unlike anxiety in the present moment, anticipatory anxiety leads us to imagine and fear the possible negative outcomes of future situations. In this way, we get caught up in an endless cycle of catastrophic thinking, creating an additional load of stress and tension before the event actually occurs. This constant state of alertness and worry can undermine our confidence, weaken our ability to concentrate, and affect our personal and professional relationships. However, there are various strategies and approaches that can help us deal with it effectively, allowing us to regain control and reduce its negative impact on our well-being.

In this Psychology-Online article we will address in depth the toAnticipatory anxiety: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment.

Index

1. What is anticipatory anxiety
2. Causes of anticipatory anxiety
3. Symptoms of anticipatory anxiety
4. Treatment of anticipatory anxiety

Anticipatory anxiety is a form of anxiety that arises as a result of worrying excessively about future events or situations. In other words, people who experience this type of anxiety have a tendency to anticipate the worst and experience significant emotional distress before the actual event occurs question.

This excessive worry may be related to uncertain situations, important events or circumstances that could trigger fear or anxiety that can affect different areas of life, such as work, studies, personal relationships or daily activities. These people may find themselves trapped in a cycle of anxious thoughts that are very difficult to control and generate constant restlessness and anguish.

In addition to anxious thoughts, anticipatory anxiety can manifest itself through physical and emotional symptoms that can intensify as the feared event or situation approaches. In many cases, these concerns are out of proportion to the current situation. However, for the person experiencing them they are overwhelming.

Diagnostic criteria of anticipatory anxiety

According to the DSM-V^[1], this clinical condition can be part of the panic attacks delimited from very specific qualities. The main diagnostic criteria to detect anticipatory anxiety disorder are:

• severe discomfort
• palpitations
• Incrise of cardiac frecuency
• sweating
• tremors
• Difficulty breathing
• fear of death
• Dizziness and unsteadiness
• Shaking chills

The causes of anticipatory anxiety can be diverse, since each person can have different triggers. Here are some possible causes that can contribute to the development of anticipatory anxiety:

• traumatic experiences: People who have experienced past trauma, such as events of violence, abuse, or significant loss, may be at higher risk of developing anticipatory anxiety. These experiences can leave a deep emotional imprint and generate constant worry about the possibility of similar events occurring in the future.
• Genetic and biological factors: There is evidence that anticipatory anxiety may have a genetic basis. Therefore, if you have a family history of anxiety disorders, you may be more predisposed to experience it. Additionally, chemical imbalances in the brain, such as overactivity of certain neurotransmitters, can contribute to the development of anticipatory anxiety.
• Learning and conditioning: learning experiences may also play a role in the development of anticipatory anxiety. If you have had previous experiences in which your fears have materialized or have experienced high levels of anxiety In specific situations, your mind may automatically associate similar future events with fear and worry.
• External factors: environmental factors such as high stress levels, job or academic demands anxiety, as well as family or financial problems, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety anticipatory. These types of situations can create a sense of uncertainty and generate constant concern about possible negative outcomes.
• Negative thought patterns: Negative beliefs about oneself, others, and the world can contribute to anticipatory anxiety. In this sense, catastrophic thought patterns, constant rumination and a tendency to expect the worst can maintain and increase levels of anticipatory anxiety.

The symptoms of anxiety involve a combination of physical, emotional, and cognitive manifestations. Here are some common symptoms associated with anticipatory anxiety:

• Constant worry: People with anticipatory anxiety experience persistent and excessive worry about future events. These concerns are often out of proportion to the actual situation and can be difficult to control.
• Physical symptoms: anticipatory anxiety can manifest itself in the body through physical symptoms such as muscle tension, tremors, palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, upset stomach, dizziness and headaches head.
• Restlessness and agitation: people may feel restless and unable to be calm due to anticipatory anxiety. They may experience feelings of nervousness, have difficulty relaxing, and feel constantly on alert.
• Difficult to focus: anticipatory anxiety can affect the ability to concentrate and pay attention. People may have trouble focusing on tasks or activities due to constant worry and intrusive anxious thoughts.
• Irritability: anticipatory anxiety can make a person more irritable and have a lower tolerance for frustration. Little things can generate exaggerated emotional responses.
• Sleeping problems: many people with anticipatory anxiety experience difficulty falling or staying asleep. They may have insomnia, wake up frequently during the night, or have nightmares related to their worries.
• Hypervigilance: People with anticipatory anxiety may be constantly on the lookout for signs of danger or threat. This can lead to hypervigilance, where they feel alert and tense even in seemingly safe situations.

The treatment of anxiety different ways of coping. Here are some common treatment options:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychological therapy widely used to treat anticipatory anxiety. This type of therapy focuses on identify and change negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors associated with anxiety.

Through techniques such as cognitive restructuring and gradual exposure to situations feared, CBT can help reduce excessive worry and learn effective coping strategies. coping. In this article you will find more information about the Cognitive-behavioral therapy: what it is and what techniques it uses.

exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a key component of CBT and is used specifically to address anticipatory fears and worries. Consists in Gradually face feared situations or future events in a controlled and safe manner to help desensitize fear and reduce associated anxiety.

Relaxation techniques and stress management

Learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce the physical symptoms of anticipatory anxiety and promote greater emotional well-being.

On the other hand, controlling stress Through effective planning and organization it can also help lower anxiety levels.

pharmacological support

In some cases, it may be considered medication use for the treatment of anticipatory anxiety. The antidepressants and anxiolytics they may be prescribed by a mental health professional to help reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is important to work closely with a doctor to assess the potential benefits and risks of medications.

complementary therapies

Some people find benefit from complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy or yoga practice. These techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, complementing other forms of treatment.

In this article you will find more information about the Benefits of practicing yoga daily.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Anticipatory anxiety: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: Panamerican Medical Editorial.

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• Tortella-Feliu, M. (2014). Anxiety disorders in the DSM-V. Iberoamerican Journal of Psychosomatics, 110 (1), 62-69.