Can You Have Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorder

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in anxiety disorders in the United States, and an estimated 42.5 million U.S. adults currently live with this mental health condition. This large number of affected individuals makes it essential to understand anxiety and its various forms, as you may be personally affected one day or be supporting a loved one. This article will explore two specific forms of anxiety disorder: generalized anxiety and panic disorder, their symptoms, management strategies, and whether it’s possible to have both conditions at the same time.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition that causes individuals to excessively worry about many, often every day, aspects of life, whether it's work, their relationships, finances, health or others and can interfere with leading an everyday life. Generalized anxiety disorder is also most common in women and can begin in childhood or adulthood. Some specific symptoms include the following:

Constant excessive worry

Feelings of doom

Shaking

Restlessness

Irritability

Difficulty focusing

Restlessness

Trouble sleeping

For these symptoms to be classified as generalized anxiety disorder, symptoms must persist for six months or longer. There are several reasons why an individual may develop an anxiety disorder, which can range from genetic reasons and anxiety running in the family, to traumatic experiences, stress, hormonal changes, and brain chemistry.

What is Panic Disorder?

Individuals with a panic disorder experience panic attacks, which can often occur suddenly and without warning, even in situations where they would least expect them, such as during sleep or while resting at home. Panic attacks are characterized by intense fear accompanied by several other symptoms, including the following:

Rapid heartbeat

Difficulty breathing

Fear of losing control or death

Chest pain

Sweating or chills

Hot flashes

Dizziness

Nausea

Since a panic attack causes intense discomfort, many people with a panic disorder fear it will happen again and often associate a panic attack with specific places or situations. They may then avoid these types of situations, thus restricting their daily life. Panic disorder can first occur in late teenage years or early adulthood. Like generalized anxiety disorder, it can develop due to factors such as genetics, stress, trauma, or an unbalanced brain chemistry.

Can You Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder?

Although they are separate disorders, generalized anxiety and panic disorder often go hand in hand, making a person’s mental health even more complicated and their symptoms harder to control. While those with panic disorder usually worry about having another panic attack, generalized anxiety can worsen this, sometimes leading to another attack. This combination may also increase their likelihood of avoiding certain situations, such as social settings. Dealing with both generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder at the same time can be exhausting since the brain and body remain under constant stress.

How are Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder Treated?

If you suffer from either generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or both, remember you’re not alone, and help is available. One of the most critical and rewarding steps you can take is starting therapy, which can not only help you understand your disorder and its causes but can also actively help you in managing them. One of the most effective forms of therapy for these types of disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches practical skills and helps you modify your thought patterns and negative behaviors to effectively manage anxiety and panic in your daily life.

Medication for anxiety and panic disorder is another option which can be taken in combination with therapy. Some examples include Buspar (Buspirone), Lexapro (Escitalopram), and Paxil CR (Paroxetine).

Besides medication and therapy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, and having a strong social support network can be helpful. Although anxiety and panic disorder may not always be fully cured, using the correct coping strategies and treatment plan can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms, helping you live a happy and fulfilled life.