Since my sophomore year of high school, my sleep has deteriorated progressively. I feel weak, fatigued, and experience rapid heartbeat. Doctors diagnosed me with "anxiety disorder." I'm deeply worried and even considering giving up on college. What should I do?
Expert Response:
Anxiety disorder, also known as anxiety neurosis, predominantly affects young adults aged 16 to 40, with a particularly high prevalence among middle and high school students.It often results from excessive mental strain, psychological stress, or emotional trauma. Symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, fatigue, excessive sweating, memory impairment, and declining academic performance. Patients frequently become impatient and fearful due to prolonged treatment without improvement, which exacerbates the condition, creating a vicious cycle.
Anxiety disorders are treatable, but effective management requires addressing psychological barriers alongside anxiolytic medication. Seeking psychological counseling to alleviate disease-related anxieties and resolve concerns is advisable. Concurrently, medications like Doxepin (25mg, three times daily) can improve sleep and reduce anxiety symptoms.Once stable effects are achieved, dosage can be gradually reduced and discontinued. Additionally, supplements like Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), Eleutherococcus senticosus extract, and Bai Zi Yang Xin Dan may offer some benefit and can be considered as appropriate.
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