Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders are the most prevalent health problems, surpassing alcohol and drug abuse. Affecting one out of every five people, these disorders are complex conditions that can manifest in a variety of ways.

Most of us have experienced anxiety at some point in our lives. It is a normal response to threatening situations. Under certain circumstances, anxiety can actually help us to evaluate and mobilise our resources in order to protect our loved ones and ourselves. In moderation, it can also help us to be more efficient and improve our performance in some tasks.

However, in excess, anxiety can hinder our abilities and interfere with our daily lives. At extreme levels, it can severely impair our functioning. When a person's life becomes this disrupted, he/she may be suffering from an Anxiety Disorder and could need professional intervention. As Anxiety Disorders present in different forms, it is essential to obtain a proper evaluation by trained professionals who can direct the individual to the most suitable treatment.

If you feel you may be suffering from Anxiety Disorder and/or want further information, contact us sidebar.

As a reminder, the information provided in these pages is meant as a guideline only, and should not be used to diagnose yourself or another. Again, to make a valid diagnosis and receive the correct treatment, it is necessary to have an evaluation done by trained mental health professionals.

General Anxiety (GAD)

Unlike other anxiety disorders, GAD can arouse anxiety in almost any situation, without a specific trigger. In fact, many people suffering from this disorder are anxious all the time and the focus of their concerns shift frequently.

The following are often indicators of GAD, especially when more than one symptom occurs, for any period:

• Persistent anxiety with no identifiable cause
• Tendency to worry a great deal
• Irritability; edginess
• Muscle tension
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea; upset stomach
• Cold, clammy hands

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a disorder where the individual is plagued by uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions that interfere with his/her daily functioning. An anxiety disorder can start at any age, although most commonly it begins in childhood through to early adulthood. While it is a waxing and waning disorder, if left untreated, it can escalate in severity over time.

Obsessions are characterised by persistent, irrational ideas or images that keep returning repeatedly. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours that are intended to prevent or correct some dreaded event.

The most common obsessions are repetitive thoughts, impulses or images that are anxiety provoking. They occur against one's will, are intrusive and persistent and are, often, personally repugnant. These can include:

• Fear of becoming contaminated
• Fear that something terrible might happen if something isn't done correctly
• Fear of causing offence
• Fear of throwing something away that might be important
• The urge for things to feel just right
• Scrupulous or religious thoughts

Compulsions are conscious behaviours or rituals that are done to alleviate anxiety caused by the obsessions and are carried out even though the person is aware that these actions are senseless or excessive. Compulsions can often take the form of:

• Washing or cleaning hands excessively
• Ritually checking things excessively
• Doing things "perfectly"
• Saving things
• Repeating things
• Avoiding things
• Making mental checklist or saying mantras over and over

Panic Disorder

An experience of a sudden rush of intense fear or anxiety, lasting between five to ten minutes may indicate a panic attack. These attacks can occur unexpectedly at any time or place, such as in crowds, work or on the motorway. Symptoms usually include:

• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

A feeling that something terrible is about to happen, like fainting, a heart attack, going crazy of losing control

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a condition that often accompanies Panic Disorder. It is characterised by intense anxiety and panic when a person finds him/herself in certain situations such as driving, using elevators, going into stores, travelling long distances or being alone. A pattern of avoidance often develops in reaction to concerns about not being able to escape or get help in an anxiety-producing situation.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Often after experiencing a severe trauma such as, but not limited to, an accident, a death of a relative, or a war experience, excessive anxiety can develop. A person may feel like they are experiencing the same traumatic event repeatedly, in dreams or in flashbacks. They may also become nervous, withdrawn, lose interest in activities and no longer derive pleasure from social contacts. These symptoms can continue many years after the traumatic event.

Social Phobia

Social Phobia is concerned with excess fear of being negatively evaluated by others. Social phobics feel they will be humiliated or embarrassed and, as a consequence, they avoid situations in which their actions may be observed. Some of the more common anxiety provoking situations include:

• Public speaking
• Eating in front of others
• Being in a group of people

Specific Phobia

Some people have exaggerated fears of certain objects or situations. Although, they usually recognise that the fears are excessive and irrational, the objects are still avoided. Examples of specific phobias include:

• Animal
• Flying
• Blood and injections
• Heights
• Driving
• Closed in places

Unlike Agoraphobia, these fears are single and isolated.

Other Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can manifest in unexpected ways, such as medical problems. These can include thyroid problems, low blood sugar, middle ear problems, cardiac issues and gastric symptoms.

This is only a brief summary of anxiety complexes, for further information on other ways anxiety can affect you contract us.