As the name suggests, severe anxiety disorder is an elevated form of general anxiety disorder.
This condition can wreak havoc both physically and emotionally, due to heightened anxiety levels.
In this writeup, I'll discuss 4 steps to treat severe anxiety disorder, as well as how you can recognize if you recognize any of its' symptoms.
First, it helps to know that you're not alone! Many people have chronic anxiety disorders.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "over 35 million people-nearly 17 percent of the American population-suffer from anxiety disorders.
" Before we get into severe anxiety disorder, let's look at general anxiety, or GAD.
The top symptoms of general anxiety disorder include:

• fatigue or insomnia
• fidgeting
• twitching
• headaches
• nausea
• muscle tension and aches
• difficulty swallowing
• trembling
• irritability
• sweating
• hot flashes

You may experience any or all of these symptoms, which occur as the body goes into 'flight or fight'.
This condition forces extra levels of cortisol into your body.
If left untreated, this is where severe anxiety disorder can settle in.
Severe anxiety disorder adds several more elevated symptoms including:

• rapid heartbeat
• dizziness
• dyspnea (labored breathing)
• uncontrollable fear
• hyperventilation
• tunnel hearing
• vision problems

Severe anxiety disorder is often linked to overlapping anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or panic attacks.
Some people may experience depression, too.
4 Steps for treating severe anxiety disorder: The complex and overlapping conditions surrounding anxiety, means it's important for you to seek professional help and obtain a diagnosis, so that you can physically and emotionally stabilize.
During this time it is also important to enlist the help of a trusted support network.

1. Get a check-up with your primary care physician.
   Since some anxiety problems stem from physical problems.
   It's best to see your general practitioner first, who can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist if necessary.
   
2. Read more information on anxiety and mood disorders, so that you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.
   No need to bombard yourself with tons of information, but something you can read in a few afternoons will help you feel more empowered when you see your psychiatrist.
   We have links to some helpful resources on our sidebar.
   
3. See a psychiatrist, who will test and interview with you in order to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.
   Once you have heard this plan it's important to follow it closely.
   If you don't agree with the diagnosis, seek a second opinion until you are satisfied and will commit to the treatment.
   We recommend that you look for a doctor who integrates both traditional and homeopathic treatments, rather than strictly prescribing pills.
   
4. Seek homeopathic and natural remedies that will support your treatment plan.
   Diet and exercise has been proven to play a major role in our mental and emotional health.
   Diet specifically can help with balancing some chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
   Naturopathic or homeopathic doctors can be a great resource if your psychiatrist isn't inclined to this approach.
   

By enlisting qualified professionals, you'll feel more stabilized, which will help you be more prepared in taking the next step toward healing.
A holistic or 'whole' approach to mind, body and spirit is shown to bring about the best chance for long-term success.
Whatever you decide, learning as much as you can about your condition will help you feel more in charge of your situation and your health!