Anxiety disorder

We all know what anxiety is. We all experience anxiety at one point or the other. First day at work, when an important decision is to be made, or before any examination, we all feel anxious. Anxiety is a normal alarm system of the body. It is a defense mechanism. It alarms when we sense danger and is gone as soon as the situation is over. It does not interfere with our day to day life. However, in anxiety disorders, the degree of distress is so much that it affects day to day life.

Anxiety disorders exist in various forms

• General anxiety disorder: people suffering from it are constitutively anxious with unrealistic worry. Panic disorder falls in this category where feelings of terror just appear without any provocation.
• Phobia: Intense fear of anything, such as deep water, or height. Social anxiety disorder falls in this category also which is characterized by a fear of being observed or judged by everyone all the time.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: These people suffer from a obsession which manifests in a compulsion. A very common example is seen where people are obsessed with a feeling of being unclean and they compulsively keep washing their hands.
• Post traumatic stress disorder: This disorder is often seen in people who have experienced great loss, or a terrifying even such as a natural disaster or sexual abuse. Such experiences often leave them with lasting and painful memories. They have nightmares and are often emotionally numb or over reactive.

Symptoms

People show varied symptoms in each form of the disease and it is difficult to generalize. However, symptoms of general anxiety are definitely seen:

• Feeling of uneasiness, fear, panic
• Uncontrollable thoughts
• Problems of sleeping
• Nightmares
• Sweaty hands, dry mouth
• Muscle tension

Causes

It is often believed that anxiety disorders happen because of a weak mind, poor upbringing, or even character flaw. Nothing of that sort. It happens just like any other mental illness and its cause is not known. Research has shown that all such disorders happen due to many contributing factors. It is predicted that environmental stresses causes chemical imbalances in the body and brain. This effects the individuals mood, emotions, or even memory. Long term effects can lead to changes in the brain and its performance. There is some research also showing that such disorders run in the family which means it could be inherited.

Treatment

• Medication: various medications exist that reduce the various symptoms of anxiety and antidepressants.
• Counseling: Psychotherapy and cognitive therapy are some of the types of counseling that is given. Basically such counseling helps the patients to understand and deal with their disorder. They are trained to change their thought pattern.

Can it be prevented?

• Anxiety disorders cannot be prevented as of today. However, we can definitely prevent from pushing ourselves into unwanted anxiety and unhappiness.
• Some of the things that agitate us such as caffeine (in tea, coffee, chocolate, cola) should not be taken too much.
• Do not take any medication without knowing its effects, not even herbal. If you ever feel uneasiness when you are taking any medication, please alert your doctor immediately.
• Exercise and healthy eating habits keep our body metabolism and body chemicals in balance.
• Ask for counseling as soon as you feel disturbed or after any traumatic experience. Early action is the best prevention.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

There is no generalization possible in medicine. The pages included in this website are purely educational and have been presented for information purpose only. Each section has been prepared with utmost care but should not be used as a substitute for your own physician's advice and care. Please see conditions for use.