Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms & Best Homeopathic Remedies

Anxiety is a psychological state characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness about future events or uncertain situations. It is a normal response to stress but becomes a disorder when it is persistent, uncontrollable, and interferes with daily life. Anxiety affects both mental and physical health and is associated with conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and phobias.

Types of Anxiety

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Persistent and excessive worry about everyday activities without a specific cause.
2. Panic Disorder – Sudden and intense episodes of fear, accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and breathlessness.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of social situations and being judged by others.
4. Phobic Disorders – Intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations (e.g., heights, closed spaces).
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Anxiety following a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks and avoidance behaviors.
7. Separation Anxiety Disorder – Excessive fear of being away from loved ones, common in children but can affect adults.

Theories of Anxiety

1. Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud) – Anxiety results from unconscious conflicts between desires and societal restrictions.
2. Behavioral Theory – Anxiety is learned through negative experiences and reinforced behaviors.
3. Cognitive Theory – Anxiety arises from distorted thoughts and exaggerated perceptions of danger.
4. Biological Theory – Anxiety is caused by imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Causes of Anxiety

• Genetic Factors – Family history of anxiety disorders.
• Neurobiological Factors – Increased activity in the amygdala and reduced serotonin levels.
• Environmental Factors – Stressful life events, trauma, financial issues.
• Personality Factors – Perfectionism, low self-esteem, high sensitivity to stress.
• Medical Conditions – Hyperthyroidism, heart disease, chronic illnesses.
• Substance Abuse – Alcohol, caffeine, and stimulant drugs can trigger or worsen anxiety.

Clinical Features, Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety

• Excessive and uncontrollable worry.
• Restlessness, irritability, and nervousness.
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations), sweating, dry mouth.
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea.
• Muscle tension, trembling, headaches.
• Difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances.

Investigations

1. Psychological Assessments – Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
2. Blood Tests – To rule out thyroid dysfunction or vitamin deficiencies.
3. ECG (Electrocardiogram) – To differentiate between anxiety-induced palpitations and heart-related issues.
4. Neuroimaging (MRI, CT Scan, EEG) – In cases where anxiety is linked to neurological disorders.

Treatment & Management

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps change negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
• Relaxation Techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.
• Lifestyle Modifications – Regular exercise, healthy diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake.
• Medications – Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), benzodiazepines (for short-term relief), beta-blockers (for physical symptoms).
• Support Therapy – Counseling, group therapy, and self-help strategies.

Homeopathic Remedies

1. Aconitum Napellus – Sudden, intense anxiety with panic attacks, fear of death.
2. Argentum Nitricum – Anticipatory anxiety, fear of crowds, impulsiveness.
3. Gelsemium Sempervirens – Anxiety with trembling, weakness, and dizziness.
4. Arsenicum Album – Anxiety about health, restlessness, fear of being alone.
5. Kali Phosphoricum – Nervous exhaustion, anxiety due to stress and overwork.

PSYCHOLOGY INCLUDES:-

1. Mind
2. Behavior
3. Sensation
4. Perception
5. Illusion
6. Hallucination
7. Delusion
8. Memory
9. Thinking
10. Motivation
11. Emotion
12. Imagination and Image
13. Intelligence
14. Aptitude
15. Attention
16. Personality
17. Frustration
18. Conflict
19. Anxiety
20. Psychosomatic manifestation
21. Dreams
22. Developmental Psychology