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

Nervous anxiety is known as acute anxiety, and it is characterized by being of short duration and being related to a specific situation or a particular event that generates stress. In today's world full of stress obligations and worries, nervous anxiety has become become a common phenomenon affecting a large number of people in different aspects of their lives. Understanding what nervous anxiety is, its underlying causes, associated symptoms, and available treatment options is critical to effectively addressing this condition.

In this Psychology-Online article, we will talk about the nervous anxiety: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment. We tell you why a person can suffer from this type of anxiety, how it manifests itself and what therapeutic approach is used in these cases.

Index

1. What is Nervous Anxiety
2. Causes of nervous anxiety
3. Symptoms of Nervous Anxiety
4. Treatment of nervous anxiety

Nervous anxiety is a emotional response that we experience in situations that we perceive as threatening or stressful. It is a feeling of restlessness and discomfort that can manifest itself in different ways in each individual. Nervous anxiety can vary in intensity and duration, from brief episodes to a constant presence in daily life.

When we experience nervous anxiety, our body prepares to face the perceived threatening situation. This is due to an activation of the autonomic nervous system, which causes physiological changes such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing and muscle tension.

On an emotional level, nervous anxiety can lead to feelings of worry, nervousness, and insecurity. It can also be accompanied by negative and catastrophic thoughts about the future, as well as difficulties concentrating and making decisions.

Nervous anxiety can affect different aspects of a person's life, including academic or work performance, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life. It can limit the activities a person is willing to do, having a significant impact on their well-being.

It is important to keep in mind that nervous anxiety is a common experience and that we can all experience it at certain times in our lives. However, when nervous anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or significantly interferes with daily functioning, it may be necessary to seek support and appropriate treatment.

Nervous anxiety can have various causes that contribute to its development and manifestation in people. Although the exact causes may vary from individual to individual, several factors have been identified that may play a significant role in the development of nervous anxiety.

• Genetic factors: can influence the predisposition to nervous anxiety. It has been observed that there is a family tendency to suffer from anxiety disorders, which suggests the existence of an underlying genetic basis. However, genes are not the only determining factor, and environment and personal experiences also play a crucial role.

Traumatic or stressful experiences can also trigger or contribute to nervous anxiety. Situations such as abuse, violence, significant losses, accidents or natural disasters can generate an increase in anxiety levels. These experiences can leave a lasting emotional imprint and lead to increased vulnerability to nervous anxiety.

Additionally, chemical imbalances in the brain may play a role in the development of nervous anxiety. Low levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine have been found to be associated with increased risk of anxiety.

Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of nervous anxiety. A dysfunctional family environment, high levels of stress at work or in everyday life, social pressures or cultural, and significant life changes can increase the likelihood of experiencing anxiety nervous.

It is important to highlight that these causes do not act in isolation, but rather interact with each other and with the individual vulnerability of each person. Nervous anxiety is a multifactorial condition in which both biological, psychological and environmental factors are involved.

Nervous anxiety manifests itself through a wide variety of emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms associated with nervous anxiety are described below:

On an emotional level, people who experience nervous anxiety may feel constant and excessive worry. They may experience fear or fear without a specific cause, anticipating the worst in various situations. In addition, they may experience irritability, difficulty relaxing, and a feeling of constant emotional tension.

In the cognitive field, nervous anxiety can generate negative and catastrophic thoughts, difficulty concentrating or maintaining attention, and problems making decisions. People may have a nagging feeling that something bad is about to happen and may have difficulty controlling their anxious thoughts.

On a physical level, the symptoms of nervous anxiety can include palpitations, insomnia, excessive sweating, tremors, muscle tension, headaches, stomach upset, shortness of breath or feeling short of breath air. In addition, they may experience feelings of dizziness, chest tightness, hot flashes, or chills.

Behaviorally, people with nervous anxiety may constantly seek safety and avoid situations that they perceive as threatening. They may have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining restful sleep, and may experience changes in appetite, such as weight loss or gain.

It is important to note that nervous anxiety can manifest itself in different ways in each individual. Some people may experience intense and recurring panic attacks, while others may have more subtle but constant symptoms on a day-to-day basis.

Treatment of nervous anxiety may involve a combination of therapeutic approaches and lifestyle changes. The main goal of treatment is to reduce anxiety symptoms, improve quality of life, and help the person develop effective skills to manage stress and situations triggers. Here are some common treatment options:

• Psychological therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy widely used in the treatment of nervous anxiety. Helps identify and change negative and harmful thoughts and behavior patterns associated with anxiety. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can also be used to help reduce anxiety.
• Medication: In some cases, medications may be prescribed by a mental health professional to treat nervous anxiety. Antidepressants and anxiolytics are the most commonly used types of medications. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with a doctor, as each case is unique.
• complementary therapies: Some people find complementary therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy or mindfulness helpful. These therapies can be used as a complement to other forms of treatment.
• Healthy life style: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on nervous anxiety. This can include regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Social support: Having a strong support system can go a long way in managing nervous anxiety. Sharing your concerns and experiences with family, friends, or support groups can provide a sense of understanding and emotional relief.

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 Nervous anxiety: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

• Mateo, m. AND. (2015). Sexual assault in adolescents: Psychosocial sequelae. University panameric.
• Soto-Vasquez, M. R., Alan, P., Alvarado-García, A., and De Farmacia, F. (2016). Aromatherapy based on essential oil of satureja brevicalyx «inka muña» and mindfulness meditation in the treatment of anxiety. naturopathic medicine, 10(1), 47-52. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/5302258.pdf
• Stekel, W. (2013). Conditions Of Nervous Anxiety And Their Treatment. Routledge.