Anxiety

An anxiety disorder is when you have a long period of worry or fear that doesn’t go away. Ongoing anxiety can get in the way of daily activities such as work or school, or even relationships. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including: 

• Generalized anxiety
• Panic
• Social anxiety
• Phobias

What are the Risk Factors?

Risk factors for each type of anxiety disorder vary. Some general risk factors include: 

• Shyness or feeling distressed or nervous in new situations
• Exposure to stressful and negative events
• A family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders

These things can cause or worsen anxiety:

• Some physical health conditions, like thyroid problems or heart arrhythmia
• Caffeine

What are Some Common Symptoms?

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Each has specific symptoms. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread; this can interfere with daily life. Symptoms of GAD include: 

• Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
• Easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
• Uncontrollable worry
• Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep

Panic Disorder

People with a panic disorder may have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These sudden moments of intense fear can happen even when there is no clear danger. People with this disorder often worry about when the next attack will happen. They stay away from places, situations, or actions to try to avoid a future incident. Symptoms may include: 

• Pounding or racing heart
• Sweating
• Trembling or tingling
• Chest pain
• Feelings of impending doom
• Feelings of being out of control

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is an intense, ongoing fear of being watched or judged. For some people, this fear may get in the way of going to work, school, or doing everyday things. People with social anxiety disorder may: 

• Blush, sweat, or tremble
• A racing heartbeat
• Stomachaches
• Rigid body posture
• Speak very softly
• Avoid eye contact or contact with people they don’t know
• Fear that people will judge them negatively

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a fear of being away from close family or friends. They worry that something bad might happen to their loved ones while they’re not together. 

Phobia-related Disorders

A phobia is an intense fear and avoidance to specific objects or situations. People with phobias have a large amount of fear of a situation, that may appear out of proportion to the actual danger. Some phobias include flying, heights, getting injections, or the sight of blood. 

People with a phobia: 

• May be irrational or have excessive worry about the feared object or situation
• Take active steps to avoid the feared object or situation
• Have immediate intense anxiety when they encounter the feared object or situation
• Live through unavoidable situations with intense anxiety

Tests and Diagnosis

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, get a physical examination from your provider.  

Managing Anxiety Disorders

There are many ways to treat anxiety. They are generally cared for with psychotherapy, medication, or both. You can work with a provider to choose the best treatment. 

• Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can also help people with anxiety disorders.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you different ways to think, behave and react to situations to lower anxiety and fear. Exposure therapy is a type of CBT. It helps people engage in activities they have been avoiding. Exposure therapy focuses on confronting the fears.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy use mindfulness and goal setting to reduce discomfort and anxiety.
• Medication doesn’t cure anxiety disorders, but it can help relieve symptoms. These are the most common classes of medications used for treatment:
  • Anti-anxiety medications: Reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, or extreme fear and worry
  • Beta-blockers: Help reduce or stop the physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heartbeat, shaking, trembling, and blushing
  • Antidepressants: Treating anxiety disorders

Are There Any Groups I Can Join?

Depression is part of our disease management program. We help TRICARE East beneficiaries improve their health through a whole-person care approach.

If you want to set health goals and improve your overall well-being, our skilled staff is ready to help you.

You or your doctor can call us with questions or to join the program at (800) 881-9227.

We also have virtual group sessions led by a disease management clinician. These sessions offer education and support. Those who join can share their successes and challenges in exercise, nutrition, and self-management. We hold webinars to help you understand different diseases, which can lead to better treatment and positive changes.

View Our Webinars and Community Groups

TRICARE Coverage

To see what TRICARE covers, visit Mental Health | TRICARE.

Videos

Mental Health Minute: Anxiety Disorder

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Resources

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

I’m So Stressed Out

Panic Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

OCD

Psychological Health Centers of Excellence

Guided Visualization: Dealing with Stress

 

The Case Management Program supports qualifying TRICARE beneficiaries with an anxiety disorder. Our experienced clinicians help you improve how you manage your condition and your overall quality of life. Have questions or want to enroll in the program? Call us toll-free at 800-881-9227.