Anxiety is an emotional state experienced by all persons occasionally or within a particular period. It is a state of restlessness, apprehension, nervousness, and concern about uncertain situations. It usually occurs as a result of certain situations one is exposed to like examination, unemployment, traveling to an unknown place, or meeting with a new person. It is human to be anxious sometimes but when the anxiety becomes extreme, lasts for six months, and starts affecting one's activities of daily living, it becomes a disorder.
Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions where the individual experiences persistent anxiety ( which could be real or imagined fears) that are difficult to control. There is always this feeling of constant worry and anxiousness that lasts for more than six months and normally interferes with one's activities of daily living like work, school, relationships, and others. It is one of the most common mental health problems that affects thirty percent of adults at various points in their lives. It usually occurs alongside depression(co-morbidity).
Studies revealed that in 2017, about 284 million people worldwide experienced an anxiety disorder. Also, about eight percent of children and adolescents suffer from anxiety. Women are also known to be more prone to having anxiety disorders than males. Anxiety disorders are usually characterized by certain symptoms such as;
- Excessive worry which lasts for at least six months
- Feeling of restlessness
- Excess fatigue
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Insomnia
- shortness of breath
- palpitation
- sweating
- headache.
There are many types of anxiety disorders which are; - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): It is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety together with excessive worry. People who have this type of anxiety disorder usually experience persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry with physical symptoms such as lack of concentration, muscle tension, and insomnia. They usually resort to excessive consumption of alcohol to get rid of anxiety. This habit usually results in alcohol dependence.
Panic disorder: It is a disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable panic attacks. It starts with sudden onset of fear together with symptoms such as palpitations, trembling, chills, headache, and confusion. This can occur with or without any impending cause.
Phobic disorder: It is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. It commences with rapid onset of fear and can be present for at least six months. The individual avoids the phobic stimulus and this avoidance can impair social functioning. Some examples of phobic disorders are; agoraphobia( the fear of being alone in situations or places where escape is difficult), acrophobia(the fear of height), aerophobia(fear of flying), socio-phobia (fear of social gatherings or events)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD): It is a mental health disorder that is triggered by a terrifying event after either experiencing or witnessing it. It presents with symptoms such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, and nightmares. They experience the feeling they had during the terrifying event regularly, this can be debilitating. The symptoms generally, begin early, at least three most after the incident, and last throughout a lifetime if left untreated. Victims of abuse, rape, and war veterans usually come down with PSTD. Such people require early diagnosis, counseling, and social support.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): It is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive thought and compulsive behaviors that impairs everyday life function. Examples of OCD are; the fear of germs and contamination, there is a friend of mine that has this OCD (fear of germs and contamination).
Visiting her is more like a difficult task because she would clean and clean to the point that it would remain for her to clean me..lol. If you ever want to use her toilet she would cringe, clean up the toilet, and clean it also when you are done, so much stress!>
other types are unusual counting behavior, and check and recheck actions.
Causes/risk factors of anxiety disorders
Some factors cause or expose one to anxiety disorders although, sometimes, the causes can be unknown. Some of the factors include;
Positive family history of anxiety disorder: Genetics is one of the major causes of so many diseases including anxiety disorders.
Exposure to physical or emotional trauma: Physical trauma such as injuries that cause deformation, and emotional trauma such as breakups, failure, and loss of a loved one can cause anxiety disorders. Other causes of anxiety disorders are;
Poverty: It is also one of the causes of anxiety disorders. Excessive lack due to poverty can trigger excess worry and fear leading to anxiety disorder.
Unemployment: A state of not having a job or source of income coupled with a lack of funds to take care of necessary needs can trigger excessive worry which can result in anxiety disorder.
Drug abuse: Drug abuse is the improper use of drugs(especially hard drugs)for pleasure. This damages the brain resulting in mental disorders.
Anxiety disorders can be managed or treated using the following techniques
- Cognitive Based therapy (CBT)
- Exposure therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Relaxation therapy
- Controlled breathing
- Medications such as anxiolytics
- Social support
- Stress management
In conclusion, anxiety disorders should be treated urgently because of their effects on the day-to-day lives of those affected. Attention should be paid to these disorders to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment and also to avoid complications.
I hope this article was useful. Thanks a lot for stopping by. I would appreciate votes and comments from you as they would help me improve.
References
Epidemiology of anxiety disorders
Drug abuse
Symptoms of anxiety disorders