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Anxiety

Anxiety Overview

Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, apprehension, fear, or worry. Some fears and worries are justified, such as worry about a loved one or in anticipation of taking a quiz, test, or other examination. Problem anxiety interferes with the sufferer's ability to sleep or otherwise function. It is noteworthy that teenagers are particularly susceptible to having irritability as a symptom of a number of emotional problems, including anxiety. Anxiety may occur without a cause, or it may occur based on a real situation but may be out of proportion to what would normally be expected. Severe anxiety can have a serious impact on daily life.



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Anxiety

Hyperventilation Overview

Hyperventilation is breathing in excess of what the body needs. This is sometimes called overbreathing. Rapid or deep breathing is sometimes seen in very serious conditions such as infection, bleeding, or heart attack.

Hyperventilation syndrome is more specific and relates to an overbreathing pattern that happens under certain conditions. This overbreathing results in a group of symptoms.

Although hyperventilation syndrome may seem very similar to panic attacks, the 2 disorders are different.

  • Those with panic disorder often have emotional complaints (for example, fear of death or closed-in spaces) with their attacks.
  • If you have hyperventilation syndrome, however, you will have certain symptoms without these emotional complaints (although you still may be anxious).

Hyperventilation Causes

The cause or causes of hyperventilation syndrome are unknown. C...

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Anxiety Disorders »

Anxiety disorders are common psychiatric disorders.

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