What is Anxiety

Anxiety is a psychological condition characterised by persistent, excessive worry. It can take a number of forms. Common to all of these forms is an anxiety so distressing, it can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out or take pleasure in day-to-day life. A person may experience more than one type of disorder. Some people may also experience depression, or have problems with alcohol or drug abuse.

The DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) lists seven different types of anxiety disorder which are as follows:

• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
• Agoraphobia
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Phobia
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

A person with an anxiety disorder will feel distressed a lot of the time for no apparent reason. An episode can be so severe it is immobilising. The person might have: 

• persistent, excessive or unrealistic worries (generalised anxiety disorder)
• compulsions and obsessions which they can’t control (obsessive compulsive disorder)
• intense excessive worry about social situations (social anxiety disorder)
• panic attacks (panic disorder)
• an intense, irrational fear of everyday objects and situations (phobia)

Other symptoms of such disorders may include a pounding heart; difficulty breathing; upset stomach; muscle tension; sweating or choking; feeling faint or shaky.

WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY DISORDERS?

The causes are not fully understood. It is likely that a particular anxiety disorder is a result of several interacting factors and is affected by stressful life events and personality traits.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DEVELOP ANXIETY DISORDERS?

Every year, around 15% of all adult are affected by an anxiety disorder. More women (18%) than men (11%) will experience one.

HOW IS ANXIETY TREATED?

Treatment can help people manage, reduce or even eliminate the symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Diagnosis is generally made by a GP. Treatment can be provided by the doctor, or they may give a referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other suitably-qualified health professional. Psychological therapy is an effective treatment for most people affected by anxiety disorders. Medication may also be helpful for a while. With the appropriate treatment and support, most people can learn to deal with their symptoms and get on with their lives again.