High Functioning Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, Preventions and Treatment

| Awareness

High Functioning Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, Preventions and Treatment

 

At times, everyone experiences some degree of worry. It is human nature to wonder or worry about how something will turn out. However, if these emotions persist over time and have a major impact on your daily life, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

High-functioning anxiety describes the experience of persistent worry but no discernible impact on a person's ability to go about their daily life. High-functioning anxiety is not yet recognized as a formal anxiety disorder by mental health professionals. Anxiety must cause significant distress or impairment in functioning in order to be classified as an anxiety disorder, according to criteria established by the DSM-5.

 

High-Functioning Anxiety Causes 


However, there could be many underlying causes to trigger high-functioning anxiety. We have some main in the list below. 

 

Personality Disorder


If you have experienced a specific reaction to things, such as shyness towards new things, you can develop high functioning anxiety over time. It can be severe and risky as it grows with age.

 

Genetics


Genetics plays an important role in letting your high-functioning anxiety grow, as it can stem from the family's mental health issues if they exist. 

 

Exposure to Stress


Anxiety is a part of human nature; in some, it remains underlying, and in some, it functions actively. Trauma or stress at any point in life can trigger anxiety.

 

Underlying Health Issues


People with other health issues, such as heart problems or thyroid disorders, are at higher risk of experiencing high-functioning anxiety.

 

Drug or alcohol abuse


Alcohol or drug misuse and withdrawal can trigger anxiety. It makes you feel dizzy, and the human body tends to forget more often. The brain finds it difficult to comprehend and compose memories when feeling heavy. This also triggers high functioning anxiety.

 

High-Functioning Anxiety Symptoms 



  • Irritability and frustration

  • Fear of letting people down

  • Nervous habits 

  • Worry, fear, and anxiety

  • Changes in appetite

  • Inability to relax

  • Perfectionism

  • Sleep problems

  • Overthinking or overanalyzing

  • Fear of failure or judgment

  • Digestive issues

  • Overachieving

  • Difficulty saying no, even when overwhelmed!

  • A desire to always keep busy

  • Mental and physical fatigue

  • Becoming anxious before events

  • Increased heart and breath rates


 

High-Functioning Anxiety Treatment 


Anti-anxiety Medications


Benzodiazepines are one of the additional medicines and treatments for HFA because they might aid in reducing your anxiety, panic, and worry. Benzodiazepines have an immediate effect, but tolerance can develop over time. This reduces their efficacy over time. 

 

If your doctor has determined that you suffer from HFA, they may initially prescribe an anti-anxiety drug and then gradually wean you off of it.

 

Antidepressants 


It is useful for treating anxiety disorders, too. They tweak how your brain uses certain chemicals to improve mood and reduce stress. Antidepressants may take some time to work, so be patient. If you feel like you’re ready to stop taking antidepressants, talk to your provider first.

 

Beta-Blockers


Commonly prescribed to treat hypertension, it has also been shown to alleviate some of the physical manifestations of anxiety. They can relieve rapid heartbeat, shaking, and trembling. Both psychotherapy and pharmaceuticals are effective in treating high-functioning anxiety. To aid in a patient's recovery, both are usually required.

 

Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy


It aids sufferers in controlling their anxiety and the underlying thoughts that exacerbate it.  Anxiety disorders can be effectively treated with psychotherapy, and one such form is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It teaches people how to relax their muscles and breathe properly, meditate when they are feeling anxious, and gradually confront objects or situations that set off their anxiety.

 

Medication


Antidepressants, antihistamines, and beta-blockers are some medications that can help with anxiety. Benzodiazepines, especially if you have panic attacks, may be prescribed for temporary relief.

 

High-Functioning Anxiety Prevention


You can’t prevent anxiety disorders. But you can take steps to control or reduce your symptoms:

  • Examine your prescriptions: Before using any OTC or herbal medication, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Certain ingredients in these products have been linked to increased anxiety.

  • Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeinated beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate.

  • Maintain a healthy body and mind by making exercise and a nutritious diet part of your daily routine.

  • Seek assistance: If you have been through a traumatic or upsetting experience, seek medical attention and counseling.


 

Summary


It is as important to go for a High-Functioning Anxiety Test as starting medications for any disease. This test can be online, and you can also visit a psychotherapist for a detailed test. There are some therapists out there who can help you overcome your anxiety with many other High-Functioning Anxiety Tests. For further information, you can also get help from our online doctors. To book your consultation appointment, you can visit our website for it and book an in-person appointment with the specialist doctor.