In the United States, 40 million people suffer from anxiety disorders. According to Adam Felman of Medical News Today, it is the most common group of mental illnesses in the country. However, only 36.9% of people with anxiety disorders are treated. Anxiety is a normal, and often beneficial, emotion. However, when a person experiences disproportionate levels of anxiety on a regular basis, it may develop into a medical disorder. Anxiety disorders are types of mental illnesses that can cause excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry. These disorders affect how people process emotions, behavior, and they can even cause physical symptoms.
What are anxiety disorders? Anxiety, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is a normal reaction to stress that can be beneficial in some situations. It can warn us of impending dangers and assist us in preparing and paying attention. Anxiety disorders are distinguished from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiety by the presence of excessive fear or anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness, affecting nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are treatable, and variety of effective treatments are also available.
When to seek treatment for anxiety? According to Adam Felman, the threat causes a surge of adrenalin, a hormone and chemical messenger in the brain, which causes these anxious reactions in a process known as the "fight-or-flight" response. This will trigger many individuals to confront or flee any potential threats for their safety. Furthermore, the duration or severity of an anxious feeling may be out of proportion to the initial action, or stressor. Physical symptoms such as high blood pressure and nausea may also appear. These reactions will lead to anxiety disorder. It has been known that anxiety disorder is further defined by the American Psychological Association as "having recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns." When anxiety reaches the level of disorder, it can interfere with daily routines.
Anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Many may occur concurrently, some may trigger others, and some may not trigger an anxiety disorder unless another is present. Environmental stressors, genetics, medical factors, hormonal and electrical signal misalignments in the brain, and withdrawal from an illicit substance are all possible causes. While anxiety disorders can have a variety of diagnoses, the symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) frequently include restlessness and a sense of being "on-edge", uncontrollable feelings of worry, increased irritability, concentration and sleep difficulties, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Adam Felman further stated that treatments will consist of a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication. Alcoholism, depression, or other conditions can sometimes have such a strong impact on mental well-being that treating an anxiety disorder must be postponed until any underlying conditions are resolved. There are methods for lowering the risk of anxiety disorders. Remember that anxious feelings are normal part of everyday life and having them does not always indicate the presence of a mental health disorder. Reduced caffeine or tea consumption, checking with a doctor or pharmacist for any chemicals that may increase anxiety symptoms, maintaining a healthy diet, regular sleep pattern, avoiding alcohol, and other recreational drugs may help to lessen the anxious emotions.
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. Anxiety disorder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
2. What to know about anxiety
Medically reviewed by Dillon Browne, Ph.D. — Written by Adam Felman on January 11, 2020
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454
3. What is anxiety disorder?
American Psychiatric Association
https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20a%20normal%20reaction,involve%20excessive%20fear%20or%20anxiety.
