Anxiety Disorders

What is anxiety?

We are all used to feeling anxious from time to time. When we are about to take exams, or facing a job interview, 
or awaiting results of some important medical tests, we feel worried about what might happen, tense and anxious 
about how we’ll be affected. But exactly what does anxiety mean?

Anxiety is a word we use to describe our feelings when we are frightened. So, if something frightens us we get anxious. For example, if you are walking down a street and suddenly a ferocious dog runs up to you, barking madly
or snarling and baring its teeth, you will almost certainly feel anxious because you are frightened that the dog will attack you. Of course, in this and many other similar situations you can easily see what has made you anxious and so normally you will tend not to worry about it after it is over. At times the very fact that we are under pressure will spur us on to do our best and rise to the occasion and meet with resounding success. However, sometimes we tend to start worrying over this simple incident and start thinking that there is something wrong with us, and that’s why the dog almost attacked us, although there were several other people in the street. Other times, we find ourselves getting anxious when there is nothing happening to us that should make us feel that way. Most people who seek help because of anxiety are like this. They experience such strong feelings of anxiety that they are unable to cope with their day-to-day life.

Anxiety and panic disorders come in many different forms, and vary in intensity from person to person. Some, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have identifiable origins. More often, the causes for conditions such as social anxiety disorder are elusive at best.

Anxiety and panic disorders may be associated with genetics, changes in neurological or brain chemistry, or disruptive life events. Physical and emotional stress can also lead to anxiety disorders. Note that some medications cause side effects that appear as anxiety disorders, and that even excessive caffeine consumption may cause symptoms consistent with anxiety disorder symptoms. Other physical causes might include dietary deficiencies, low blood sugar, thyroid problems and drug withdrawal.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is defined as a period of uncontrolled worry, nervousness and anxiety for six months or more. The anxiety may initially focus on a specific worry (relationships, career, or finances, for example), or may present as a vague anxiety about almost anything. Accompanying irritability is very common. Physical symptoms often develop, including muscle pain, insomnia, trembling, and gastro-intestinal problems.