Anxiety Disorders are characterized by a range of symptoms, often accompanied by depression. These disorders can be influenced by genetics and the environment, which can either exacerbate or ameliorate symptom severity and prognosis. Early identification and a comprehensive treatment approach can help decrease anxiety and empower individuals to lead a more typical life compared to their previous experiences with the disorder.
Introduction. Anxiety is a normal part of the human process that involves a reaction to adverse reaction due to a stressor. However, it becomes a disorder when the anxiety induced is “abnormally severe, unduly prolonged, occur in the absence of stress, and are associated with impairment of physical, social or occupational functioning” (Ajel, Baldwin, & Garner, 2008). Anxiety Disorders are more prevalent in society than most would expect. The most occurring ones are panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
In society, Anxiety Disorders are surprisingly common and encompass various types such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder,social anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. It’s important to note that while experiencing anxiety can be considered normal within the human process as a response to stressful situations,p it becomes classified as a mental health disordere when it reaches an abnormally severe level resulting in prolonged symptomsa,b that may occur even without any apparent causeg. Additionally,p these disorders can significantly impair one’s physical,c,i socialj,a or occupational functionse,g,h,k,l,m,n.(Ajel,Baldwin,& Garneri)
These disorders have multiple sources, with most having a biological basis and others arising from brain damage symptoms. Environmental factors also contribute to the development of Anxiety Disorders. Treatment, both psychological and pharmacological, is crucial when these disorders greatly affect daily functioning (2008). Panic disorders occur in individuals who have periodic episodes marked by symptoms like breathlessness, sweating, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, and feelings of extreme debilitation.
According to Carlson (2011), the likelihood of women experiencing this disorder is twice as high as men. Like other Anxiety Disorders, individuals with this condition often seek emergency care because they feel a strong resemblance to death that typically lasts for 30-40 minutes (Ajel, 2008). Unlike many other disorders, this type usually does not have a specific trigger. Instead, those affected by it constantly worry about recurring attacks.
According to Fleming & O’brien (2012), individuals often have a fear of having a panic attack and losing control, which is linked to social factors. As a result, people with panic disorder may be reluctant to leave their homes due to worries about having another attack and feeling embarrassed or trapped. This fear, known as agoraphobia, frequently originates from panic disorder (2008).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent form of Anxiety Disorder that often goes unrecognized and untreated in individuals affected by it. Differentiating GAD from depressive disorders can be difficult as they exhibit comparable symptoms. Psychoanalysis proposes that these two disorders may coexist (Fleming, 2012; Ajel, 2008).
When trying to differentiate between depressive tendencies and anxiety, it is crucial to ask questions. Anxiety is a common response to stress, but it becomes a disorder when it persists for a prolonged period and is focused on various aspects of a person’s life that are functioning normally, such as work, family, and health (Barone, Elsasser & Kavan, 2009).
Excessive worry in generalized anxiety disorder (2009) causes acute stress and results in primary symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, and restlessness. The presence of physical ailments further amplifies the heightened worry and fear. When individuals with this disorder have concerns about a health-related issue, the unexplained physical conditions that occur reinforce their beliefs and worry. Also known as Social Anxiety Disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as SAD, is identified by an apprehension of social situations and worry about how others perceive them. This fear causes individuals to steer clear of situations where they might be watched, like speaking in public or performing in front of an audience, regardless of the size of the group. In more extreme instances, those with SAD may go so far as to seclude themselves at home rather than being around other people.
Having a negative impact on various aspects of a person’s daily life, particularly their work performance by preventing them from fulfilling important responsibilities, this disorder also hinders the ability to engage in normal conversations due to an intense fear of embarrassment or judgment (Fleming, 2012).
Distinguished from other disorders by the fact that individuals with this condition can still find enjoyment, social anxiety disorder does not cause severe physical effects as it is only triggered when they have to interact with people outside of their comfort zone (Ajel, 2008).
Individuals with social anxiety disorder often resort to drugs and alcohol in order to cope with the anxieties associated with this condition, especially if they have difficulty avoiding social situations. They may choose to use these substances as a form of recreation before going to work or attending any social event, aiming to lessen their inhibitions. When people with social anxiety disorder do find themselves in social settings, they typically experience physical signs of stress such as excessive sweating, along with a strong psychological response to their fear like intense worry about vomiting in public (Ajel, 2008).
The increasing prevalence and impact of social anxiety disorder in a person’s everyday life can be attributed to various factors. Experiencing symptoms of social anxiety after attempting to overcome fears can discourage future attempts, causing both physical and psychological distress. This unforgettable experience leads to anticipating the same reaction in other social situations, further increasing the prevalence of social anxiety disorder. Consequently, this condition cannot be ignored without treatment due to its severe impact on communication abilities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, like other anxiety disorders, is rooted in irrational assumptions. As indicated by its name, it involves an obsession that manifests itself through compulsive behaviors aimed at alleviating the obsessive thought. The individual believes that only by performing these compulsive actions can they ease their anxiety.
The obsessive thoughts experienced by individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder are usually similar. These thoughts often include fear of bodily secretions, dirt, germs, and similar concerns. There is also a fear that something terrible might happen and a strong desire for symmetry, order, or exactness (Carlson, 2011, p. 470). People with this disorder typically act on these thoughts instinctively by performing repetitive actions such as counting or checking or excessively sanitizing. Some variations of this disorder may involve preoccupation with vain thoughts.
When an individual consistently struggles with their physical appearance, they may frequently turn to plastic surgery as a solution. This is especially true when negative thoughts about themselves arise from seeing images or looking in a mirror (Ajel, 2008). The presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder often correlates with other neurological disorders, resulting in a more severe expression of the disorder and reducing the chances of full recovery. This Anxiety Disorder is commonly referred to as “comorbid,” indicating its simultaneous occurrence with depressive illness.
It has been found that approximately one third of individuals diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder also meet the criteria for major depression (Ajel, 2008). If one is treated for either condition, it is likely that the other will improve if diagnosed early enough. However, this only applies when the depression comes before the disorder, leading to differences in treatment (2008).
The causes and diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders are closely linked to biological factors. Even disorders commonly thought to be influenced by environmental factors, such as childhood trauma, still require a genetic connection for the disorder to develop into a classified anxiety disorder. Imbalances in serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission are identified as causes of depression which often coexist with Anxiety Disorders (Ajel, 2008). These imbalances have been observed in many Anxiety Disorders. Additionally, studies show a correlation between the amygdala and prefrontal, insular, and frontal cortices (Carlson, 2011). For example, increased activity in the amygdala and insular cortex can lead to heightened anxiety levels.
According to Fleming (2012) and Ajel (2008), the development of an Anxiety Disorder is influenced by a combination of neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors. It is essential to accurately diagnose the disorder for a prolonged period of time in order to determine appropriate treatment. Misdiagnosis can exacerbate symptoms and potentially result in further physical and psychological complications. Psychoanalysts should inquire about specific symptoms and hereditary traits as highlighted by Ajel (2008).
Patients may give inaccurate responses to straightforward questions due to lying or fabricating information, which can happen because of their lack of understanding or the disabling effect of their illness. Consequently, the accuracy of their answers may be compromised, and further testing might be required for an accurate diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder. It is crucial not to misdiagnose patients since an incorrect diagnosis can lead to enduring stigma in their lives.
The primary objective of diagnosing an anxiety disorder is to offer the required treatment for individuals to effectively manage stress and enhance their everyday functioning. It is noteworthy to mention that most anxiety disorders typically emerge during adolescence as opposed to later stages of life. As a result, individuals who are vulnerable to such disorders may face considerable difficulties in adjusting to society during pivotal periods of their growth.
During a child’s visit to a pediatrician, the doctor typically evaluates their stress levels by inquiring about various aspects such as irritability, isolation, school attendance, worries, nervous ticks, and recurring physical complaints (Boydston, Hsiao & Varley, 2012). To ensure a thorough diagnosis is made, it is crucial for parents to communicate any concerns they may have with the pediatrician.
Despite the fact that only 20 percent of adolescent patients are diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder, it is surprising that many pediatric practices do not offer a psychological evaluation specifically for this age group. Nevertheless, between 10 and 20 percent of adolescents show signs of at least one primary characteristic associated with a disorder or depressive tendency (Fierman, 2010). Although the disorder may not fully manifest during adolescence, early detection can lead to effective treatments that minimize its impact and improve societal functioning.
In the elderly, Anxiety Disorders are less commonly reported compared to other age groups but still occur. Among those aged 55 and above, phobias are the most prevalent disorders. Elderly individuals are more likely to be prescribed psychotic drugs to alleviate their symptoms compared to adolescents. This is because younger individuals are still developing and can potentially benefit from counseling practices to manage their tensions.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. A successful method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches individuals coping strategies to decrease stress and establish a plan for handling unforeseen circumstances (Boydston, 2012). CBT focuses on restructuring the thoughts that contribute to the disorder. In cases of mild symptoms, therapy is typically the main treatment used, especially in the initial stages of the condition or during early life.
When a diagnosis of the condition is delayed until it has reached an advanced stage, a combination of medications and therapy is required. Usually, patients are given selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) as part of their pharmacological treatment. These medications have the greatest potential to reduce symptoms and enhance overall functioning. If the initial SSRI does not yield satisfactory results within 12 weeks, it is probable that another SSRI will be prescribed instead (Fleming, 2012).
Typically, increasing the dosage or frequency of medication is not done as it has not been proven beneficial and may result in addiction. Despite concerns and negative media attention regarding addiction, Tricyclic antidepressants are commonly used as an alternative when other treatments fail. Although they have more negative side-effects compared to SSRI’s, this approach is still utilized (Ajel, 2008).
To effectively address the adverse impacts of an Anxiety Disorder, it is vital to undergo extended treatment. Thus, when deciding on a path towards recovery, this factor should be considered. It is probable that at least one individual within a social group may experience an Anxiety Disorder. Individuals with such disorder generally lack optimism about their future. Nonetheless, early detection seems to be associated with curbing the escalation of symptoms in patients. Seeking prompt treatment is essential for maintaining quality of life and diminishing the detrimental physical and psychological advancement linked to an Anxiety Disorder.
References
The articles below are about Anxiety Disorders:
- Ajel, K. ; Baldwin, D. ; & Garner, M. (2008). “Anxiety Disorders”. Psychiatry, 36 (8), 415–421. Retrieved on December 9, 2012 from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/science/article/pii/S1357303908001448
- Barone, E. ; Elsasser, G. ; Kavan, M. (2009). “Generalized Anxiety Disorder”. Am Fam Physician, 79 (9), 8. Retrieved on December 9, 2012 from http://rx9vh3hy4r.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rft_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journ
