Delving into Anxiety Disorder

The World Health Organization (WHO) observes that 1 in every 8 people are estimated to have been living with a mental health condition as of 2019. Approximately 4% of the global population currently experience an anxiety disorder.

Everyone can feel anxious sometimes, but people with anxiety disorders often experience fear and worry that is both intense and excessive. Anxiety disorders interfere with daily activities and can impair a person’s family, social and school or working life.

                   Types of anxiety disorders

Agoraphobia- One avoids places or situations that might cause panic, feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder- excessive worry and anxiety with no specific threat, e.g. daily events, relationships, or potential events that might occur.

Panic Disorder- involves experiencing intense and persistent panic attacks that occur unexpectedly with little or no warning e.g. rapid heartbeat, increased respiration, and feelings of extreme terror.

Separation anxiety disorder- This is a childhood disorder characterized by anxiety of separation from parents or others who have parental roles.

Substance-induced anxiety disorder-This includes intense anxiety or panic that are a direct result of misusing drugs, taking medications, being exposed to a toxic substance or withdrawal from drugs.

Social Anxiety Disorder – involves a fear of social situations with symptoms such as fear of  public speaking, or more generalized fear of many different social situations and an exaggerated sense that other people scrutinize everything they do.

                            Causes and Risk factors

Brain chemistry: Severe or prolonged stress can contribute to changes in the chemical balance in the brain. Experiences: Stressful or traumatic events can also contribute to feelings of anxiety. Genetic factors, underlying medical conditions: e.g. chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, drug use, and drug withdrawal. Personality: People with certain personality traits, may be more prone to experiencing higher levels of anxiety.

                                 Effects of Anxiety Disorder

Family- The symptoms such as irritability, tension, poor concentration, lack of sleep can obviously affect one’s interpersonal relationships with family members. Interference with Daily Life- one finds it difficult to perform daily tasks, attend school or work, and maintain relationships. Social Isolation- this can be due to fear of judgment or embarrassment, leading to fewer social interactions and a weakened sense of community. Reduced Productivity– it can make it harder to concentrate, learn, and work effectively, potentially leading to lower academic or professional performance. Strained Relationships: – individuals can find it ha to communicate effectively and build healthy relationships, potentially leading to conflicts and strained connections with family, friends, and colleagues. Substance abuse: – this is a way to cope with their symptoms, which can further complicate their lives and strain family and community resources. Suicidal Ideation: -In severe cases, untreated anxiety disorders can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

                                      Treatment

Effective treatments for anxiety disorders may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy – aims to change patterns of thinking, beliefs and behaviors that may trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy – involves gradually exposing a person to situations that trigger anxiety using a fear hierarchy: this is called systematic desensitization. Anxiety management and relaxation techniques – for example sports, intensive exercise, deep muscle relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises. Counselling and Medication.

Try not to give up, it is doable.

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