The following symptoms and complaints may indicate an anxiety disorder (symptomatology must be primary manifestation of anxiety):
- Anxiety without a real threat
- Occurrence mainly of physical symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Visual disturbances/dizziness
- Angina pectoris (“chest tightness”; sudden onset of pain in the heart area), palpitations (heart pounding)
- Sweating (possibly including night sweats / night sweats), tremors.
- Anorexia (loss of appetite), nausea / vomiting, diarrhea.
- Occurrence of psychological symptoms such as:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Chronic fatigue
- Unusual anxiety in duration, intensity, and frequency
If the anxiety is prolonged, the following symptoms may occur:
- Addictions, especially to alcohol or medications (sleeping pills).
- Fear of anxiety
- Engaging in dangerous hobbies, undertakings to overcompensate.
- Limitation of the quality of life
- Loss of control
- Social withdrawal
Cave (Attention)!
- In young children, isolated anxiety is harmless in most cases. If depression symptoms are added, this indicates a poor developmental environment. There is a risk of developmental and severe psychosocial disabilities in these cases.
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate generalized anxiety disorder (GAS):
Tension, worry, and apprehension about everyday events and problems for ≥ 6 months:
Psychological symptoms
- Fear of loss of control
- Fear of dying
- Derealization
- Vertigo
Vegetative symptoms
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Tremor (shaking)
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Symptoms of tension
- Globus sensation (feeling of lump)
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
Thoracic or abdominal symptoms (symptoms in the chest and abdominal area).
- Difficulty breathing, feeling of tightness
- Chest pain (chest pain)
- Abdominal discomfort
Other non-specific symptoms
- Insomnia (sleep disturbances, especially difficulty falling asleep).
- Concentration difficulties
- Irritability
- Exaggerated startle reactions
Caution. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAS) have comorbidity (concomitant disorder) with depression in 40-67% of cases.
