Our last blog provided a brief overview of mental health, inclusive of many disorders. The next few blogs will provide an overview of specific, and more common, mental health disorders. This blog focuses on anxiety.

When does worry, or being anxious, become a disorder? Occasional worry and anxiety is common and a part of everyday life. However, anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or concern. According to the NIMH, for people with an anxiety disorder their worry, anxiety, or fear does not go away. It interferes with their daily life, and can get worse over time. Mental Health America has reported that the lifetime prevalence of any anxiety disorder is almost 32%.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

According to the NIMH there are several types of anxiety disorders. Here are a few of the most common ones. 

• Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent extreme or unrealistic anxiety or dread. This type of anxiety can interfere with daily living and can persist for months and even years.  
• Panic disorder involves frequent and sudden panic attacks. These attacks may include shortness of breath, chest pains, and heart palpitations. Panic attacks are not always predictable and can occur as often as several times a day or as infrequently as a few times a year. 
• Social anxiety disorder is a fear of being in, or an avoidance of, social situations due to concern of being judged negatively by others. This can lead to avoidance of work, school, and other activities. 
• Phobias involve an irrational fear or excessive worry involving specific objects or situations, such as flying, enclosed spaces, heights, or various animals. 

Symptoms and Causes

The Cleveland Clinic outlines the symptoms and causes of anxiety. While symptoms are specifically related to the type of anxiety disorder, they often fall into three categories.

• Physical: examples include dry mouth, heart palpitations, sweaty hands, nausea
• Mental: examples include obsessive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares
• Behavioral: examples include ritualistic behaviors, inability to be calm, disruptive sleep

The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood. However, there are three factors that contribute to an anxiety disorder. They are chemical imbalances, environmental factors, and hereditary. Medical problems can also be related to anxiety disorders. In addition, anxiety can be a side effect of some medications. Thus, it is always wise to get a physical exam and consult with your health care provider to help make the correct diagnosis and find the right treatment. 

Treatment and Prevention

According to the NIMH anxiety disorders are typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. Psychotherapy usually includes cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.  Medication consists of anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Medication is not a cure for anxiety, but medication does help to relieve symptoms. Support groups and stress management strategies can help reduce symptoms as well, as can several prevention strategies such as:

• A healthy lifestyle (eating well, exercising, sleep)
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine
• Staying engaged
• Getting help early
• Reducing stress

If you want to learn more about anxiety disorders, the NIMH has many resources for you to review. Also, if you would like to see specific topics covered in this blog, leave a comment with your suggestion.