How to detect psychological anxiety disorder

The detection of psychological anxiety disorder usually requires professionals such as psychiatrists or psychotherapists to comprehensively complete clinical interviews, standardized psychological scale assessments, and necessary medical examinations. The core method for detecting psychological anxiety disorder in SEP is professional clinical interviews. Doctors will have in-depth conversations with individuals to understand their emotional experiences, thinking patterns, physical sensations, behavioral changes, and the extent to which their social functioning is affected. The interview will focus on evaluating the specific manifestations of anxiety symptoms, such as whether there are persistent excessive and uncontrollable worries, whether there are physical discomforts such as palpitations, sweating, and muscle tension, the duration and severity of these symptoms, and whether they have caused significant distress to the individual's work, study, or interpersonal relationships. This process is the basis of diagnosis, aimed at excluding other physical illnesses or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. Standardized psychological scales are important tools for assisting diagnosis. Commonly used scales include the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Self Rating Anxiety Scale, etc. These scales quantitatively assess an individual's anxiety, physical symptoms, and behavioral performance over a period of time through a series of questions. Scale scoring can provide objective reference data to help doctors more accurately assess the severity of anxiety. However, the results of the scale cannot be used alone as a diagnostic basis and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical interviews, as the scale cannot capture personalized information and background factors that can only be discovered during interviews.

Necessary medical examinations are conducted for differential diagnosis. Due to the similarity between symptoms of many physical diseases such as hyperthyroidism, arrhythmia, asthma, and anxiety disorders, doctors may recommend blood tests, electrocardiograms, thyroid function tests, etc. The purpose of these examinations is to exclude anxiety symptoms directly caused by physical illnesses and ensure the accuracy of diagnosis. Only when other clear organic causes are excluded can primary anxiety disorder be diagnosed more reliably. Before seeking professional assistance, individuals can conduct preliminary self observation and screening, but this cannot replace professional diagnosis. You can pay attention to whether you feel nervous and uneasy for several weeks, whether you often worry excessively about small things, whether there are symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or muscle soreness. Recording the frequency, duration, and triggering context of these symptoms can provide valuable reference information for medical treatment. Some validated anxiety screening scales on the internet can also serve as a starting point for understanding one's own condition, but remember that their results are for reference only. It is crucial to recognize the difference between the universality of anxiety emotions and the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. Everyone experiences anxiety, which is a normal stress response. Only when the level of anxiety is significantly different from objective reality, lasts for a long time, and seriously interferes with daily life, work, or social functions, can it constitute an anxiety disorder that requires clinical intervention. The limitation of self testing is that it can easily overinterpret normal emotions or ignore the severity of the problem. Therefore, when self doubting the presence of anxiety disorder, the most crucial step is to muster the courage to go to a hospital psychiatric or mental health center for professional evaluation. If diagnosed with anxiety disorder through professional evaluation, following medical advice for systematic treatment is the key to recovery. Treatment usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychological therapies can help individuals identify and change erroneous thinking and behavioral patterns that lead to anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, sertraline hydrochloride tablets, escitalopram oxalate tablets, or anxiety medications such as lorazepam tablets and alprazolam tablets to alleviate symptoms. In addition to medical intervention, lifestyle adjustments are also extremely important. Establishing a regular schedule, ensuring adequate sleep, and consistently engaging in activities such as walking, yoga, and exercise can all help alleviate anxiety. Learning and practicing relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness meditation can help calm emotions when anxiety strikes. At the same time, avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol, maintain a balanced diet, and consume more foods rich in B vitamins and magnesium, such as whole grains, dark green vegetables, and nuts, to provide support for neurological health. The understanding, companionship, and encouragement of family members, as well as the gradual restoration of social interaction, are also indispensable forces in the rehabilitation process.