Anxiety can affect people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. But while the criteria for anxiety disorders are the same for all people, the causes and effects of anxiety can vary depending on a variety of personal factors, including gender. In this post, we take a closer look at some of the unique aspects of anxiety in men.
What Exactly is Anxiety?
In casual conversation, anxiety in men usually refers to nervousness. People may say that they are anxious about a test, an interview, or a presentation that they need to make at work.
Among mental health professionals, anxiety in men can refer to one of several mental health concerns that are categorized as anxiety disorders. Common anxiety disorders include the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Specific phobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Panic disorder
The common element among anxiety disorders is that they are characterized by extreme worry and excessive fear. The symptoms of anxiety disorders may not be connected to any external factor, but if they are, they will be disproportionate to any actual threat.
It is important to understand that anxiety disorders are far more disruptive than common, everyday anxiety. This distress that a person feels as a result of an anxiety disorder can make it difficult or virtually impossible for them to live a full, productive, and satisfying life. In other words,
Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety in Men
As we discussed in the previous section, the primary symptoms of anxiety disorders are extreme worry and excessive fear. Depending on which type of anxiety disorder a person has, these symptoms can prompt a variety of intense feelings and altered behaviors.
The following are possible signs and symptoms of anxiety in men:
- They have a persistent sense of unease or fearfulness that never seems to subside, even in times when there appears to be nothing to fear or worry about. These are characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder.
- They are extremely hesitant or flatly unwilling to make presentations, meet new people, or eat in public places. These can be symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
- They change their behaviors to avoid being in small, enclosed rooms; wide open spaces such as parking lots; or among crowds of people. These actions may indicate that a man has agoraphobia.
- They suddenly develop intense physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, hot flashes, excessive perspiration, racing heart rate, dizziness, chest pains, and a sense of being choked or smothered. These symptoms, which can make a man feel like he is dying, can be signs of panic disorder.
Anxiety in men can be both distressing and disruptive. Thankfully, anxiety disorders are treatable conditions. When men get the personalized care they need, they can learn to manage the symptoms they have been experiencing. With proper care, which may include certain prescription medications, men who have anxiety can regain control of their thoughts and behaviors.
Causes of Anxiety in Men
Mental health disorders rarely have one easily identifiable cause. As is the case with other type of mental illness, anxiety in men can result from a variety of internal and environmental factors.
Internal factors that can influence a person’s risk for anxiety include genetics, hormones, and other body chemicals. A common question among men with anxiety disorders is, “Can low testosterone cause anxiety?”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there may be a link between low testosterone and anxiety in men. Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for muscle and bone mass, body hair, and other sex characteristics in men. The Clinic reports that the effects of low testosterone can include diminished sex drive, fatigue, low motivation, social withdrawal, mood swings, and anxiety.
Risks for Increased Anxiety in Men
- Continued exposure to high levels of stress
- Family history of anxiety
- History of trauma
- Certain personality traits
- Use of alcohol or other drugs, including some medications
- Some medical conditions
Identifying possible causes of anxiety in men can be an important part of treatment. For example, in cases where the symptoms of anxiety are related to medication or low testosterone, changing the individuals’ medication or providing other medical care to boost testosterone production may resolve the issue.
Types of Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety in men can’t always be treated via medical interventions alone. For many men, effective treatment must also include therapy. Depending on the type of anxiety disorder a man has developed, the symptoms he has been experiencing, and if he has a co-occurring mental health concern, effective treatment may include therapeutic services such as the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy
- Neurofeedback
If a man who is receiving treatment for anxiety has a history of untreated trauma, their care may also include services such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
When seeking professional care for anxiety, what is most important is finding a provider that can offer a truly comprehensive and personalized treatment experience. This includes addressing any co-occurring concerns. With comprehensive treatment, men who have been struggling with anxiety can experience considerable improvements in quality of life.
Begin Treating Anxiety in Men in Sherman Oaks, CA
Montare at the Valley is a reputable provider of quality care for adult men who have developed anxiety disorders and other mental health concerns. Treatment options at Montare at the Valley include both inpatient programming and outpatient care. At both levels, skilled professionals provide personalized services in a compassionate and respectful environment. To learn more about how we can help you or someone that you care about, contact Montare at the Valley today.
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