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Anxiety Disorder Awareness

Introduction

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder characterized by the feeling of fear and uneasiness owing to a perceived threat. Approximately 20% of the total adult population suffers from anxiety disorders per annum. Women tend to be more susceptible to developing anxiety as compared to men. When suffering from anxiety, an individual experiences restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and sweat excessively. Anxiety disorders are more severe known to persist for longer durations. Anxiety disorders can influence the social, emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of an individual, hindering routine activities, and reducing work productivity.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

The different types of anxiety disorders are given as follows.

  1. Generalized anxiety disorder – worry and tension about everyday ordinary issues.

  2. Panic disorder – the spontaneous onset of panic attacks with physical and mental manifestations.

  3. Panic disorder and agoraphobia – panic attacks with agoraphobia.

  4. Agoraphobia – fear of leaving home, traveling alone, and entering crowded places.

  5. Social phobia – avoidance of social settings owing to fear of criticism and low self-esteem.

  6. Specific phobia – fear of specific objects or events.

  7. Selective mutism – failure to speak in certain situations.

  8. Separation anxiety – worry about events that may lead to separation or loss of a significant other.

Causes and Risk Factors of Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are caused by an interaction between genetic, environmental, and biological factors. The negative environmental factors include the following.

  1. Emotional and/or physical abuse and neglect

  2. Sexual abuse

  3. Chronic medical condition

  4. Death of a significant other

  5. Traumatic injuries

  6. Separation

  7. Divorce

  8. Financial difficulties

Following are the generalized risk factors for anxiety disorders.

  1. Trauma in childhood and/or adulthood

  2. Family history of mental health disorders

  3. Physical health conditions

  4. Certain personality traits

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Following are the symptoms of anxiety disorders. These symptoms can be further aggravated by the use of certain medications and caffeine.

  1. Anxious thoughts that are hard to manage and suppress.

  2. Rapid heartbeat

  3. Unexplainable body aches

  4. Dyspnea or shortness of breath

  5. Dizziness

  6. Behavioral changes such as avoidance of routine activities

Panic Disorder and Anxiety Attack

Panic disorder refers to the onset of unexpected and recurrent anxiety attacks. There may be several anxiety attacks in a single day or only a few per year. The anxiety attacks are spontaneous and occur without a prior warning. Common signs and symptoms of an anxiety attack include palpitations, rapid heart rate, trembling, excessive sweating, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

How Does Anxiety Disorder Affect Close Relationships?

Interpersonal distress is a common observation in individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. Relationship problems arise due to a lack of confidence and coping strategies. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders tend to avoid interaction with their significant other and maybe become hyper-reactive to certain situations.

Treatment and Prevention of Anxiety Disorder

Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are effective treatment options for anxiety disorders.

  1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for anxiety disorders. CBT helps an individual think, behave, and react to different things and events differently.

  2. Pharmacotherapy includes the administration of anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. These drugs include calcium-channel modulator pregabalin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Conclusion

Anxiety disorder is a common psychological condition, predominantly affecting the female population. Individuals become worried and fearful, however, in the absence of a real threat. Despite being prevalent, anxiety disorders can be treated and managed using medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Individuals close to the ones suffering from anxiety disorders shall also receive psychotherapy in order to cope more effectively.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/
2. https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6206399/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430973/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5177451/

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