As of: February 27, 2024, 1:45 p.m
By: Juliane Gutmann
Comments
Press
Split
Most forms of anxiety disorder can be treated well thanks to behavioral or psychotherapy.
The earlier therapy begins, the better.
Addictions, eating disorders, depression and anxiety disorders: Mental illnesses are among the most frequently diagnosed illnesses, according to the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (dgppn).
According to dgppn figures, around 27.8 percent of the adult population in Germany are affected by a mental illness every year, which corresponds to around 17.8 million people.
The most common illnesses include anxiety disorders, depression and disorders caused by alcohol or medication use, the association says.
Anxiety disorders are the sad leader when it comes to the frequency of mental illnesses.
According to the dgppn, 15.4 percent of diagnoses relate to anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, fear of wide places, etc. Depending on the severity of the psychological suffering, the feelings of anxiety can be so strong that normal everyday life is no longer possible.
But how do you know whether you are affected by an anxiety disorder?
The symptoms can be varied.
Persistent worry, a feeling of restlessness, constant thoughts and excessive nervousness are possible signs.
Physical complaints such as a racing heart and shortness of breath can also indicate a pathological anxiety disorder.
The typical physical symptoms of anxiety also include sweating and dizziness, as the
Schön Klinik Group
informs.
Those affected also report nausea, tremors, and a feeling of pressure in the chest or head.
The patients' quality of life suffers enormously, they become increasingly isolated and problems often arise in their relationships and professional lives.
An anxiety disorder can reach dimensions that make normal everyday life no longer possible.
© Imago
But when are you seriously ill and should you seek professional help?
Anyone who has been suffering from the above-mentioned symptoms for several weeks should seek therapeutic or medical advice.
The earlier an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery.
However, if the psychological suffering has manifested itself for years, the road to recovery is usually longer.
Don't miss anything: You can find everything about health in the regular newsletter from our partner 24vita.de.
When does fear become pathological?
There are a number of clues that give psychotherapists and specialists information about whether an anxiety disorder is present.
These include, among others, the following questions, which those affected answer with “yes”:
My news
Pancreatic cancer: More and more women are suffering from the silent killer reading
According to experts, up to five kilos of weight loss per week should be possible - with intermittent fasting
No appointment in the practice necessary: Read which specialists you can see directly without a referral
Intermittent fasting is good for weight loss — but only if you follow one important rule
Reduce belly fat: If you know one rule, you are guaranteed to read your stomach
High blood pressure alarm: Many people don't have these 23 facts on their radar
Have you been unable to stop or control worry nearly every day over the past two weeks?
Have you had trouble relaxing almost every day for the past few weeks?
Have you been afraid that something bad would happen almost every day in the last few weeks?
Have you felt restless very often in the last two weeks?
Have you been irritable and easily annoyed almost every day in the last few weeks?
Are you depressed? With telephone pastoral care you can get help around the clock - every day of the year: call 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222. The call is free of charge. Your phone number will not be transmitted and you do not have to say your name. The conversation lasts as long as necessary.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.