What is anxiety?

Everyone possesses an internal body "alarm system", that helps us to react if we perceive danger. This is called anxiety.

Anxiety can be a normal "alarm system" alerting you to danger. Imagine if while driving a car, you suddenly can’t apply the brakes. Your heart starts beating faster. Your palms get sweaty. Your mind starts generating ideas. In this situation, anxiety is the inbuilt response that adds an extra spark to help you get out of danger.

But sometimes, the same anxiety alarm can be out of control, giving you a sense of dread and fear for no apparent reason. When anxiety is excessive or has no apparent cause it is known as an anxiety disorder.

Are there different types of anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety can be a general feeling of worry, an episode of feeling panicky, a fear of a certain situation or a response to a traumatic experience. Anxiety disorders include conditions like generalised anxiety disorder, phobia and panic disorder.

What is generalised anxiety disorder?

Generalised anxiety disorder is defined as an ongoing, excessive worry or fear that goes out of control - for instance, mothers who show anxiety by worrying about a child who is perfectly healthy.

• Symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder may include the following:
• Muscular tension, resulting in painful muscles;
• Trembling or shaking for no apparent reason;
• Shortness of breath without any obvious effort;
• Fast heartbeat/palpitations;
• Tight feeling in chest;
• Dry mouth;
• Dizziness;
• Irritability;
• Loss of sleep;
• Poor concentration at work.

What is panic disorder?

Another important type of anxiety is panic disorder. If someone experiences a sudden attack of intense fear that starts abruptly without any apparent cause, he/she is said to be having a panic attack. Panic attacks can include the following symptoms:

• Chest pressure or chest pain;
• Fast heartbeat/palpitations;
• Racing pulse;
• Dizziness or light-headedness;
• Shortness of breath or tightness in the throat;
• Sweating/wet hands;
• Trembling or shaking;
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet;
• Fear of losing control;
• Fear of dying.

The symptoms of a panic attack usually pass off in a few minutes but can last for a few hours.

What is a phobia?

A phobia is an episode of extreme fear in response to something specific. Examples include:

• Fear of crowds
• Fear of bridges
• Fear of snakes
• Fear of spiders
• Fear of heights
• Fear of open places or social embarrassment

What causes anxiety disorders?

1. Anxiety disorders can begin at any age
2. They occur in both males and females, although they are more common in females.
3. They often occur during or after a stressful event in your life, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce.
4. Anxiety disorders often run in families

Some people say they have been anxious their whole lives. Other people suddenly become anxious without being able to point to a specific reason. Some medicines may also lead to anxiety.

Can anxiety disorders be treated?

Yes. DOCTORS can help in the treatment of anxiety disorders, so whenever you experience these types of problem, discuss them with your DOCTOR.
Your DOCTOR may suggest medication such as an antidepressant or relaxing tablet, but is more likely to encourage you to find ways of dealing with your anxiety yourself.
Your GP can help you form a plan to develop skills to cope with your anxiety. They may also suggest counselling and prescribe medicine if needed. Here are some tips on coping with anxiety.

• Control your worry. Pick a place and time to do your worrying. Make it the same place and time every day. Spend 30 minutes thinking about your concerns and what you can do about them. Stop thinking about what may happen, try to enjoy the present and stop worrying about the future.

• Learn some exercises to encourage muscle relaxation, try yoga or deep breathing.

• Learn to recognise when you are having a panic attack so that you can deal with it

Steps to deep breathing
 

1. Lie down on the floor.
2. Place one hand on your stomach, just above your navel. Place the other hand on your chest.
3. Breathe in slowly and try to make your stomach rise slightly.
4. Hold your breath for a second.
5. Breathe out slowly and let your stomach go back down.
6. Repeat this 8-10 times a day.

Muscle relaxation is simple. Start by choosing a muscle and holding it tight for a few seconds. Relax the muscle after a few seconds. Do this with all of your muscles. Try starting with your feet and working your way up your body.

• Make it a habit to exercise regularly. Exercise is good for health - don't overdo it, but choose a level that you can maintain daily. Anxious people often stop exercising, however exercise can give you a sense of well being and help decrease feelings of anxiety.

• Get plenty of sleep. Try to keep sleep as undisturbed as possible. Have dinner at least 3 hours before going to bed. Try to establish a regular pattern of sleep.

• Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs. Whilst alcohol may seem to have a temporary relaxing effect, in the long run it will actually make anxiety worse. Many illicit drugs also increase anxiety.

• Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a substance that we eat or drink in the form of coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate. Caffeine may increase your sense of anxiety, particularly if you take too much. Other medicines that can lead to anxiety are: over-the-counter diet pills, and cough and cold medicines with a decongestant.

• Use medicine only if your DOCTOR recommends it. The medicines provided by your DOCTOR are helpful, but you should learn other ways of coping with anxiety .

• Get counselling help: Your DOCTOR may advise you to get help from a medical counsellor. Counselling, can help you learn to express your wants and needs so you can feel more in control and reduce suppressed anger and anxiety.

Written by Medpages Editorial Team
Last Editorial Review: 15/1/2010