Everyone has anxiety. Anxiety is a normal biological response to perceived threat but our body's way of protecting us from danger can sometimes backfire and interfere with or impair our daily lives. Anxiety Disorders are both a state and a trait, meaning that it can be both an immediate mental state in response to current circumstances as well as a chronic, and enduring disposition toward anxiety. Anxiety Disorders can also manifest differently depending on whether it's experienced as an acute state or as a chronic trait. According to the surveys, one out of three people may experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
What Is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety Disorder is the psychological state of emotion of excessive worry that affects thoughts, and feelings, and causes problems in a person’s life for at least 6 months. Anxiety is a real and normal emotion we feel in a stressful situation. It's related to fear. But while fear is a response to an immediate threat that quickly subsides, anxiety is a response to more uncertain threats that tend to last much longer.
According to the studies, people with anxiety disorders don't just have a different way of reacting to stress. There might be differences in their brain functioning. It can be best described as possible mix-ups in the connections between the amygdala and other brain areas. The pathways that signal anxiety disorder become stronger and the more anxiety you have, the stronger the pathways become, and it becomes a vicious cycle. The good news is there's treatment for anxiety disorders, and that you don't have to suffer. Remember, this isn't about weakness. It's about changing brain patterns, and research shows that our brains can reorganise and form new connections throughout our lives
Many types of anxiety disorders can affect people in different forms. Each anxiety disorder is different, but basically, they all have one thing in common. They cause excessive worry that affects thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms. These symptoms cause problems in a person's life for at least six months. There are seven types of anxiety disorders listed in the DSM-5-TR.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder: It is also known as GAD. It's one of the most common anxiety disorders. People with GAD suffer from extreme and constant stress. GAD sufferers can worry or feel anxious about several events. People with GAD, find it difficult to explain their anxiety using certain fears like those with more certain anxiety disorders can and this is because their anxiety stems from many stimuli.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: This kind of anxiety is more commonly found in children than adults. Even the thought of separation can be very stressful. People with separation anxiety, think that something unexpected could separate them from their dear ones, or that their attachment figure will leave them. Children often grow out of separation anxiety disorder, but if it persists for six months or longer, they should be provided with help.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Also known as "S.A.D." refers to the fear of public situations and exposure to unfamiliar people. S.A.D. sufferers tend to avoid situations in which they're in the spotlight because they're worried that they'll be embarrassed or judged by others. The thought or the anticipation alone of an upcoming social situation can cause major anxiety-related symptoms like panic attacks or severe stomach pain.
Panic Disorder: It becomes a disorder when an individual experiences panic attacks multiple times in their lifetime. Panic attacks are intense bursts of fear followed by a range of physical symptoms, these include Cold sweats, Muscle stiffness or Trembling, and Hyperventilation.
Agoraphobia: Are you intimidated by your local train station? Do you feel fatigued in a crowded place? Agoraphobia is the fear of public places. Anxiety disorder arises because they assume them as too open or dangerous. It's triggered by fears like becoming a victim of crime or of contracting a disease or illness. People with Agoraphobia restrict themselves to their homes where they're comfortable in a familiar environment.
Specific Phobia: These are constant and extreme fears about a certain object or situation, and cause a lot of stress to the people suffering from Specific Phobia. Phobias can be environmental like Acrophobia, the fear of heights and they can be animal-based or even situational like Taphophobia, the fear of being buried alive. Traumatic experiences are triggers of such phobias, that cause people to perceive negative assumptions about these situations or objects.
OCD and PTSD: Yes, OCD and PTSD were categorized by many psychiatrists as disorders to be grouped with the aforementioned anxiety disorders. The common thread that groups disorders like GAD, S.A.D., panic disorder, and phobias together is that sufferers of these anxiety disorders experience future-oriented fear.
Selective Mutism: In selective mutism, the person can speak but in certain situations, they become anxious to the point of being unable to speak. This can sometimes be perceived as shyness and is most commonly diagnosed. In older children, it becomes apparent that they are talkative at home but will not speak in school. It can also persist into adulthood and in most cases, there is a concurrent social anxiety disorder a progressive form called Progressive mutism. Here, the person will cease to speak in all situations including close family.
What Are the Causes of Anxiety Disorders?
The cause of an anxiety disorder is quite complicated it's not a disease with a single origin there are a lot of factors that go into play.
Biological factors: You're born with anxiety disorders because it run in families heritability. People with first-degree relatives are more likely to develop the disorders than those with no affected relatives. Studies have shown that even if twins grow up in separated environments if one is found to have an anxiety disorder then the other one is also prone to the illness.
Environmental factors: This seems to play a larger role, these can include childhood adversities, like parental divorce, alcoholism, and bullying. A past trauma of varying kinds, ranging from sexual abuse to a car accident can be triggers to the disorders.
Socio-demographic factors: Being unemployed or women from a low socio-economic background also tend to be more affected than men. The exact reason is unknown, but some hypotheses have included the effect of pregnancy which may come from an evolutionary drive to protect the unborn offspring. The fact is that females are more likely to be victims of abuse, especially at an early age.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?
The signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder a person has their symptoms can vary. Each disorder has a detailed list of symptoms that licensed mental health professionals will refer to determine a specific diagnosis. Some of the common symptoms of anxiety disorders that people will report include-
Feeling irritable or on edge
Racing or worried thoughts
Trouble focusing or concentrating
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
Avoidance of fear situations
Sweating, shaking, or other unusual sensations throughout the body
Feeling disconnected, zoned out, or disassociated
Feelings of panic attacks can include extreme fear, racing heart, or trouble breathing
Your healthcare provider may use a physical exam, lab tests, or a mental health evaluation to diagnose anxiety disorder and create a treatment plan that works best for you.
Physical Exam: A physical exam helps rule out medical conditions that may cause anxiety-like symptoms, such as thyroid problems or heart issues. It ensures the anxiety isn't a result of an underlying physical illness.
Lab Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for hormone imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, or other conditions like anaemia or diabetes that could contribute to anxiety disorder symptoms.
Mental Health Evaluation: A thorough psychological assessment by a mental health professional is essential.
How Can Anxiety Disorders Be Treated?
Treatment for anxiety disorders can include therapy, medication, and even lifestyle changes that can help reduce the symptoms. Therapy for anxiety disorders is a front-line treatment and can be highly effective in helping people.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Also known as CBT, teaches people with anxiety disorders how to adapt their thinking, actions, and reactions. CBT is usually completed weekly for several months and there are practice exercises to apply the skills learned in therapy.
Medication: At times, medication for anxiety may be recommended as a part of the treatment. The three most commonly prescribed types of medications for anxiety disorders are antidepressants, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines. There can be other medications prescribed in certain cases.
Support Groups: As far as support groups, there is vast evidence indicating that support groups can have a positive impact on mental health by providing moral support and a feeling of social connection. These peer-led groups can help reduce symptoms of psychological conditions including anxiety. You might consider joining an online or in-person self-help group to help you feel less alone, decrease your stress, and improve your symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Do you wonder whether it is okay to have some degree of anxiety or if you are experiencing too much of it? If you can understand the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder, you may manage your symptoms.
| Aspect |
Anxiety |
Anxiety Disorders |
| Nature |
A normal response to stress or fear. |
A mental health condition characterized by excessive, prolonged anxiety. |
| Duration |
Short-term and typically resolves on its own. |
Persistent, often lasting for months or years without treatment. |
| Severity |
Mild to moderate, manageable levels. |
Severe, often overwhelming, affecting daily life. |
| Triggers |
Specific situations or events (e.g., exams, public speaking). |
Occurs without a clear trigger or persists even after the trigger is gone. |
Myth- “Anxiety disorders are not a severe type of illness.”
Fact- Anxiety disorders if not treated increase the risk of depression substance abuse, diseases, and even suicide. Therefore anxiety disorders are serious and should not be taken lightly.
Myth- “I can handle this, and it does not require any professional help.”
Fact- Those who adhere to this myth are at a higher risk of worsening their anxiety, using substances to self-treat, and living with chronic anxiety that could have been relieved by the assistance of specialists.
Myth- “They are believed to be a reflection of character flaws or personal weaknesses.”
Fact- The truth is that anxiety disorders can be due to relationships, stressors, chemical imbalances in the brain, as well as ingested substances such as alcohol, drugs, and even caffeine.
Here are a few ways through which you can cope and live with Anxiety Disorders.
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Physical activity: It helps your body and mind. Go to the gym, go for a walk, do yoga, play Frisbee—just get moving!
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Eat a balanced diet: Don’t skip meals. Try to eat from all food groups, and try to stay away from caffeine (minimize soda, energy drinks, and coffee). Caffeine can trigger anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
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Stop consuming alcohol and stay away from illegal drugs: Consumption of alcohol and drugs can trigger anxiety disorders and cause panic attacks.
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Get involved: Being active in your community creates a support network and gives you a break from your everyday stress.
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Do your best instead of trying to be perfect: We all know perfection isn’t possible, so be proud of however close you get.
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Take a time-out: Take a deep breath and count to 10. Stepping back from a problem lets you clear your head. Do yoga, meditate, get a massage, learn relaxation techniques, or listen to music.
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Put things in perspective: Think about your situation. Ask yourself whether it’s as bad as you think it is or if you may be focusing on limited information or evidence.
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Talk to someone: Don’t bottle up emotions to the verge of explosion. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your friends, roommate, partner, family, or counselor.
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Find out what triggers your anxiety: Take notes or write in a journal when you’re feeling anxious or stressed, and then look for patterns.
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How to Support Your Loved Ones With Anxiety Disorders?
Some things that might be helpful if you are supporting someone who has anxiety or is dealing with an anxiety disorder include-
Be empathetic: Grow and cultivate empathy. The important thing to note here is that what you are going through in a situation is not the same as what the person with an anxiety disorder is going through.
Support and facilitate treatment: Many treatment processes are available for anxiety; these may demand time as well as energy. Among the several things that you can do in helping a person with anxiety is to ensure that you help them as much as possible to get to appointments.
Support positive changes: Anyone who feels as if they are at risk may get disturbed and nervous, though, with anxiety disorders, then it is also a favourable chance for one to gain new information concerning the things that cause the anxiety.
Be open and prepared: It is common for individuals with high levels of anxiety to engage in safety behaviours or to seek some form of assurance, and what many people do not realize is that such actions may serve to prolong the anxiety rather than reduce it. For instance, while a person is anxious, they may be inclined to reassurance that everything is going to be fine; even though this seems to calm them right away, they develop a low tolerance rate in the long run.
Focus on the person and not the anxiety disorder: Sometimes a person is experiencing a lot of anxiety because of an anxiety disorder – try not to argue but agree with them that, yes, they are uncomfortable, upset, etc. It is necessary to do this in a way that might not minimize the threat to the person.
Why Choose Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre for Treatment?
If you're diagnosed with anxiety disorder, it's okay millions of people around the world understand what it's like to suffer from an anxiety disorder, so you're not alone. We at Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, use a thorough dual-diagnosis treatment that allows people to manage anxiety disorders healthily without employing substances. We understand that every single one of these anxiety types is often treatable and manageable. Fears can be barriers to a patient’s recovery process and self-development in the process. If not treated individually, anxiety disorders are likely to make the patient relapse or engage in risky behaviours.
