۵ Anxiety Complications

If left untreated, chronic anxiety and anxiety disorders can lead to mental, physical, and emotional complications that may affect your overall quality of life.
Although some complications may be within your control and can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, others may require professional help.

It’s possible to have an excellent quality of life even if you have an anxiety disorder. If you’re finding it hard to cope on your own, professional care can help you manage your symptoms.
Anxiety treatments — like therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes — can reduce your risk of developing anxiety complications, too.

۱. Depression
Depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand.
Research based on an international survey shows that 45.7% of people with major depressive disorder have had one or more anxiety disorders. This may be because both conditions can have similar causes — including genetic origins, trauma, and neglect.
The constant worry and stress associated with anxiety can lead to feelings of hopelessness and sadness, characteristic of depression. Likewise, the complications associated with depression can cause you to feel anxious.
It’s a good idea to address both conditions simultaneously, as untreated anxiety can worsen depressive symptoms. Both anxiety and depression can be treated through therapy and, when necessary, medication.

۲. Sleeping too much or too little
Anxiety disorders are associated with a range of sleep disturbances, like insomnia, less favorable sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Anxiety can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, and lack of sleep can make your anxiety symptoms feel worse.
Many people with anxiety report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep. On the other hand, you might also find yourself sleeping excessively as a way to escape anxiety.
According to researchTrusted Source, about 60% to 70% of people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) report experiencing sleep disturbances.
Addressing anxiety through therapy or medication can improve sleep quality and overall health.

۳. Difficulty keeping up at home, school, or work
Chronic anxiety can affect your executive function, which are skills that you need to work toward goal-oriented behaviors like work, home chores, and organizing your day-to-day life.
Anxiety can make it challenging to focus, regulate your emotions, and perform well in daily activities.

۴. Social isolation
Social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder can lead to social isolation.
The fear of judgment or embarrassment may cause you to avoid social situations, leading to loneliness and a decreased support network.
Social isolation can further exacerbate anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break.

۵. Chronic pain or other nonspecific symptoms
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, chronic pain is strongly associated with anxiety.
Research has found links between anxiety and:
• fibromyalgia
• migraine
• back pain
• arthritis
• gastrointestinal issues
The bottom line
Anxiety can lead to a range of complications that impact physical, emotional, and social well-being.
But anxiety is a treatable condition. Early treatment can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing these complications.