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ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety is a common emotional reaction. It describes the way your brain responds to stress and alerts you of impending danger. 

A set of mental disorders known as anxiety disorders are characterised by an overpowering sense of worry or fear that interferes with daily activities including work, school, family gatherings, and other social situations. 

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness, affecting up to 30% of people. According to studies, anxiety problems are more common in women than in men. However, majority of people with anxiety disorders can enjoy regular, satisfying lives with appropriate therapies. 

Forms of anxiety disorders

The following are some of the major types of anxiety disorders: 

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2. Panic disorder 

3. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

4. Social anxiety disorder 

5. Separation-related anxiety

6. Specific phobia

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

When a person has generalised anxiety disorder, they worry constantly about different things or activities, such as their job, their family's health, or their to-do list. This type of anxiety is long-term and is characterised by intense worry or tension that persists even in the absence of a trigger. 

Panic disorder 

Panic disorders are characterised by sudden, repeated attacks of intense anxiety and accompanied physical symptoms such heart palpitations, perspiration, nausea, vertigo, and shortness of breath. 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Following exposure to a traumatic event or encounter in which there was or may have been a major bodily harm, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop. Violent incidents including physical, sexual, or emotional assaults, accidents, and natural or man-made disasters can be traumatising and result in post-traumatic stress disorder.

Social anxiety disorder 

People who have social anxiety disorder are extremely worried and uncomfortable when they are rejected, humiliated, or looked down upon in social circumstances like public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in front of others. When the condition is severe, these persons exhibit symptoms anytime they are around people. 

Separation-related anxiety

Exaggerated fear or anxiety over being separated from persons to whom the individual is attached is a defining feature of separation anxiety disorders. The feeling lasts for at least four weeks in adolescents and six months in adults and impairs functioning. Such a person worries about losing the people they care about the most or experiences terrible dreams involving separation.

Specific phobia

A strong dread of a particular thing or circumstance that poses little to no real risk, such as water, heights, or animals is known as a specific phobia. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, has higher levels of anxiety when in an environment where it could be difficult to receive assistance in an emergency (such as on an airline), thus they may need to steer clear of situations that make them feel this way.

Causes and Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorders 

Although the exact causes of anxiety disorders are unknown, a number of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors are implicated. 

However, other external variables can cause anxiety disorders, such as:

Trauma:  Children who were mistreated, endured trauma, or witnessed upsetting events have a higher risk of developing anxiety problems as adults. Adults who have experienced a terrible tragedy are also susceptible to anxiety problems. 

Stress: A condition such as a sickness, a notable incident, or a collection of countless little but stressful situations that can cause extreme anxiety. For instance, the loss of a loved one, stress at work, financial difficulties, or health issues can all be quite stressful and cause anxiety.

Personality: Some personality types are more likely than others to develop anxiety disorders. For instance, perfectionists who feel the need to control everything they do, may experience increased anxiety. 

Drugs or alcohol: drugs or alcohol use, misuse, or quitting drugs or alcohol addiction, changes a person's mental state, which can lead to or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Symptoms and signs of anxiety Disorders 

• Nervousness/Restlessness 

• Fear, panic, or sense of impending peril 

• Tachycardia (hyperventilation)

• Sweating 

• Irritability 

• Fatigue 

• Heart flutters 

• Having trouble focusing or going blank 

• Sleep disruption 

Complications 

An anxiety condition causes more than just worry. Additionally, it may aggravate, or worsen the underlying physical and mental conditions. Some mental health conditions, such as depression coexist with an anxiety disorder. 

• Substance abuse: Research has shown that those addicted to psychoactive drugs are more sensitive to stress, and that some people who are under stress may be more susceptible to developing a drug addiction or relapsing into it.

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) 

• Bowel or digestive issues: Your brain is in charge of all bodily functions, including your digestive system. When you experience agitation or anxiety, your brain sends impulses that cause your stomach to secrete gastric juice, which could irritate your digestive tract. 

• Headaches 

• Social isolation issues 

• Poor Quality of Life 

• Suicide 

Measures for treating and coping with anxiety disorders 

• Acceptance: This is essential in the treatment of anxiety because addressing the symptoms as soon as they appear improves the prognosis. When you start to notice that three or more of the aforementioned symptoms persist for longer than six months. For effective treatment, it is necessary to see a psychologist or psychiatrist. 

• Gain Knowledge: Find out more about the specific type of anxiety problem you are experiencing to feel more in control of your health. Inform your loved ones about the illness so they can be there for you. 

• Practise stress management techniques like relaxation and meditation. 

• Ensure you get enough physical activity each day; a 15-30 minutes brisk walk can be beneficial.

• Joining a support group: These groups are accessible online and in person. They urge those who struggle with anxiety disorders to talk about their problems and coping mechanisms. 

• Caffeine consumption should be restricted or avoided since it may make the symptoms worse. 

• Speak with your healthcare professional: Contact your provider if you think your treatment isn't working or if you have questions about your medications. You two can decide on how to proceed in the most effective way. 

• Keep to your doctor's medication schedule. 

You may be given prescription drugs like: 

Antidepressants are prescribed to treat chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. 

Anxiolytics are used to reduce stress or anxiety and may help you fall asleep. 

Sedatives are drugs that make you feel relaxed and sleep well. 

Beta-blockers are hypertension drugs that are used to manage anxiety symptoms.

                               About The Author

Faith Salako is a registered nurse midwife skilled in patient care, creative writing, health education, and promotion. She had her bachelor's degree in Nursing Science from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. She is passionate about adolescents' and young adults' health, with research interests in mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.

http://linkedin.com/in/faith-salako-349346202