Introductory Remarks

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stimuli such as stress. Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition where an individual responds to certain things, events and circumstances with fear, uneasiness and dread.

 

 Essential Statistics and Key Facts

• In accordance with the World Health Organization:

1.  More women get affected by anxiety disorders as compared to men.
2.  Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders globally. In 2019, over 300 million persons were affected by anxiety disorders.
3. Approximately 4% of the world’s population are currently suffering from an anxiety disorder.
4. Anxiety disorders can be treated effectively.

• According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it is estimated that almost 40 million persons in the US have an anxiety disorder, with only 37% of them on treatment.

 

 Causal Factors

Causes of anxiety

Psychological factors;

• Present circumstance. Current life situations that cause stress may lead to anxiety disorder. For example, struggling financially.
• Traumatic events that occurred in the past.
• Drug and substance abuse. Stimulant drugs can cause anxiety.

 

Physical factors;

• Genetic predisposition.
• Medical elements such as neurological disorder and hormonal imbalance. Imbalances in hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline can contribute to anxiety disorder.
• Brain anatomy and physiology. Amygdala is the part of the brain that manages fear and anxiety and also responds to danger. It is speculated that persons with anxiety disorders may also have a raised amygdala activity.

 

 Signs & Symptoms

These symptoms vary based on the kind of anxiety disorder.

Psychological symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating on anything else other than the present worries.
• Being nervous and restless.
• Feeling panic and uneasiness.
• Uncontrollable thoughts.

 

Physical symptoms:

• Trembling.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.
• Trouble sleeping  (insomnia).
• Sweating heavily.
• Fatigue.
• Hyperventilation.
• Tension in the muscles.
• Tachycardia (increased heart rate).
• Heart palpitations.

 

Types

• There are various types of anxiety disorders.
• These are:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder.
2. Panic disorder.
3. Agoraphobia.
4. Specific phobias.
5. Separation anxiety disorder.
6. Social anxiety disorder.
7. Selective mutism.

 

Generalized anxiety disorder. It causes fear and a feeling that one is overwhelmed. It is characterized by excessive, regular worry about day to day issues such as house chores and even ordinary, routine issues.

Panic disorder. Several panic attacks happen without warning. They are also not due to an underlying medical condition.

Agoraphobia. In this type of anxiety disorder, the patient fears and avoids circumstances or approaching places which might bring panic.

Specific phobias. Phobia refers to feeling over-anxious to the extent that it disrupts life’s activities.

Separation anxiety disorder. It occurs due to separation from a loved one or a close friend. It is a normal stage of development in babies. It can affect adults, too.

Social anxiety disorder. Earlier, it was referred to a social phobia. It occurs when one experiences ongoing fear of getting negatively judged by other people or when other people are looking at them.

Selective mutism. Children fail to speak up in some situations, such as in front of visitors.

 

 Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnosing anxiety disorders involves:

• Medical evaluation:  Patient history-taking. The doctor asks about presenting symptoms, medical history and any current prescription and whether any family member or close relative has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
• Physical examination.
• Tests to rule out other underlying health conditions responsible for the signs and symptoms.
• A clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist employs the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to come up with a proper diagnosis.

 

Treatment & Management

• Drugs do not cure anxiety disorders but they improve symptoms and enhance functioning.
• Some of these medications are:

1. Anti-depressants.
2. Benzodiazepines.
3. Beta-blockers.

 

Anti-depressants. They include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). antidepressants can help in dealing with anxiety disorders even though they primarily treat depression.

Benzodiazepines. They are used to lower anxiety, panic and even worry. They are addictive. Short-term benzodiazepines can be prescribed for anxiety disorders and these are later withdrawn by tapering off the dosages. Benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders include diazepam and lorazepam.

Beta-blockers. These class of drugs is not used to treat psychological aspects of anxiety disorders. Rather, they reduce physical signs and symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Examples are trembling and increased heart rate.

 

 

Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.

• Talk therapy is usually targeted at identifying and changing unhealthy thoughts and behavior which are associated with anxiety disorders.

1.  Cognitive behavioral therapy.
2.  Acceptance and commitment therapy.

 

Preventive Strategies & Recommendations

• There are no defined ways that can be applied to prevent occurrence of anxiety disorders in individuals.
• It is advisable that one seeks early medical attention as soon as the signs and symptoms show up.