High-functioning anxiety: what does it consist of?

High-functioning anxiety describes a silent and prevalent reality in the population. These are those people who can function more or less well in their lives despite anxiety. They work, fulfill their obligations, relate to each other… However, they are aware that there is something that is not right with them.

Exhaustion, headaches, insomnia… The physical symptoms usually contrast with one’s own personality. On average, we find men and women who are extroverted, very active, organized, hyper-demanding, and those who are incapable of saying “no” to any proposal or request. All of this causes great psychological exhaustion.

Thus, and although this clinical reality does not actually define any disorder included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), It does describe a very common situation. Although for many anxiety is not disabling, it does reduce the quality of life in many aspects.

Let’s get more information about it.

High-functioning anxiety, what does it consist of?

High-functioning anxiety is a state in which a person manages to be competent in every area of ​​their life without that psychophysiological state invalidating them. What’s more, in many cases what they perceive is that this internal reality drives them to function in a more intense, almost accelerated way. This can be positive in some aspects and very negative in others.

For example, we may have the classic person who is very conscientious at work, but who feels unhappy and dissatisfied. It is as if they were carrying high-performance Tesla batteries that pushed them to a very striking hyperactivity, appearing high solvency and plenty of efficiency. However, In private, they experience dissatisfaction and even loneliness.

Causes

There are two causes that can explain high-functioning anxiety: one’s own personality and family history. We know that this clinical reality is more common in extroverted profiles, tending towards perfectionism and being accommodating with others. On the other hand, genetic factors and the education received are combined.

Studies, such as those carried out at the University of Würzburg, Würzburg (Germany), indicate that anxiety has a genetic basis. There are a series of genes that we can inherit from our parents and that increase the probability that we will develop this psychological condition. Now, this factor is not decisive.

In the case of high performance anxiety, personality style is integrated with the education received. Critical and demanding parents, and even authoritarian ones, increase the risk of developing this characteristic.

What are the symptoms?

The symptomatology associated with high-functioning anxiety is both complex and particular. On the one handcan make the person more proactive. However, there is an exhausting reverse and it is that associated with anxiety itself taken to the extreme and carried on for quite some time.

We analyze it.

Positive aspects

The person with functional anxiety is usually very competent on a social level. She carries out her work obligations very well, is compliant and responsible.

They are extroverted and very happy personalities. They carry with them that mask of constant joy, as if life for them was always harmonious and almost perfect. They are proactive, perfectionists, organized, punctual and take care of details. They are the typical people obsessed with making lists, with having everything written down in agendas… They always appear highly solvent. They attract attention for their disposition, their good spirits and their constant enthusiasm.

Negative aspects of high functionality

Indeed, behind that infallible, happy and responsible appearance, hides a somewhat more problematic side that accumulates day by day in the form of small frustrationshints of discomfort and dissatisfaction.

High-functioning anxiety is related to the inability to say no and complacency. They do not know how to set limits and are always oriented to satisfy others. They tend to feed a very exhausting and negative internal dialogue.Excessive and exhausting thinking is a recurring characteristic in this psychological condition. These are people who show numerous nervous tics and manias such as biting their nails, cracking their knuckles… It is common for them to integrate obsessive rituals, such as having to count the stairs, make sure they are safe several times. that they have turned off the light, folding the clothes in a certain way, etc. They do not know and cannot relax and this causes them suffering.They don’t feel good about themselvesdissatisfaction is a constant in their lives.

In addition, An important feature of high-functioning anxiety is somatization. They suffer stomach pains, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, etc.

Treatments and strategies for people with functional anxiety

Many people who suffer from this psychological condition think that they do not need help. At the end of the day, they live their lives, perform at work, and no one around them would ever suspect their internal problems. From exhaustion, worry, dissatisfaction, demands, manias…

However, It is necessary to understand a small detail: just because we are functional does not mean that we are fine.. Just because we can bring home a salary does not mean that we are happy. What’s more, the fact that everyone thinks ours is a perfect life does not have to be true.

Asking for help, requesting expert support is the best thing we can do. Denying the evidence can lead us to more exhausting states: phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, etc.. Let’s keep it in mind.

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