Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Authors: Dr. Pooja Sajish V, Dr. Sohaila Cheema, Dr. Karima Chaabna

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. For instance, you might feel anxious before tackling a problem at work, going to an interview, taking a test, or making an important decision. Anxiety is the anticipation of a future concern and is often associated with muscle tension and avoidance behavior. However, an anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition—it is more than temporary worry, typical nervousness, or mild fear. Generally, the anxiety will not go away, becomes worse over time, and involves excessive fear and apprehension in response to certain situations. Anxiety disorders often manifest with intense physical symptoms like a racing heartbeat and sweating, inability to function, overreactions to situational triggers, and failure to control situational responses. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Women are affected more than men.

Types of anxiety disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder and selective mutism.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary but can include physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is not fully understood. Prolonged or intense stress can disrupt the brain’s chemical balance that regulates mood, potentially leading to anxiety disorders. Anxiety may also stem from underlying health conditions or serve as an early indicator of medical issues.

There are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. These include genetic predisposition, stressful life events like childhood abuse, or exposure to violence. Anxiety disorders are also frequently associated with alcohol or substance use, medication withdrawal, or excessive caffeine intake.

Diagnosis

There are no specific lab tests to diagnose anxiety disorders. It is often diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional (psychiatrist or psychologist), including a detailed history and assessment of symptoms.

Treatment options

Anxiety disorders are often managed with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered by many to be the most effective form of psychotherapy for treating these conditions. This approach teaches the person to gradually encounter the trigger that causes anxiety and enables the individual to learn specific skills to manage the situation and symptoms.

Lifestyle recommendations

While many people with anxiety disorders require psychotherapy or medication to alleviate their symptoms, lifestyle adjustments can also help substantially. Here is what can be done:

• Stay active: Regular physical activity reduces stress and improves mood.
• Get better sleep: Make getting good rest a priority.
• Keep a personal journal: A personal journal can be kept to track stressors and identify what helps improve well-being.
• Join support groups and socialize: Connecting with others who understand similar experiences can offer compassion and shared experiences. Share feelings with friends, family, or support groups to avoid isolation from loved ones or activities.
• Manage the negative thoughts: Thinking positive thoughts instead of worrisome ones can help reduce anxiety.
• Practice mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help calm the mind.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs: These substances can trigger or exacerbate anxiety. If quitting on your own is challenging, consult a doctor or join a support group for assistance.
• Limit caffeine: Consuming caffeinated drinks can heighten anxiety. Try to cut back or quit altogether.

Take-away message

Occasional anxiety is normal, but persistent symptoms such as nervousness, difficulty staying calm, a fast heartbeat, and uncontrollable worry could suggest an anxiety disorder. Lifestyle adjustments like staying physically active, ensuring adequate sleep, journaling, and participating in support groups can help manage anxiety. It is important to stay socially engaged and avoid isolation from loved ones or activities. If anxiety persists despite these lifestyle changes, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is advisable. For professional help in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation’s Mental Health Service can be contacted by calling 16000, choosing your language (Arabic or English), and pressing 4 for mental health.

Sources: American Psychiatric Association (APA) |  Cleveland Clinic | Mayo Clinic | WebMD | National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) | World Health Organization (WHO) | Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) 

Editor: John Alexander Hayward