Anxiety Disorders

What is anxiety? 

Anxiety can be a normal, helpful reaction to give you energy to get things done. At times, anxiety can become excessive or persistent, even when there is no immediate or obvious threat. It may cause significant distress and interfere with daily activities. This kind of anxiety is a real problem and can disrupt your life. Anxiety disorders refer to a number of conditions which are explained in this brochure. 

What is generalised anxiety disorder? 

Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by excessive and persistent worry about different aspects of everyday life. The worry is often difficult to control and may interfere with daily activities.

What are the signs and symptoms of generalised anxiety? 

Symptoms may include: 

• Muscle tension and fatigue  

• Headache  

• Loss of consciousness  

• Trembling or shaking  

• Shortness of breath or rapid and deep breathing  

• Increased heartbeat (palpitations) and raised blood pressure  

• Sweating and dizziness  

• Dry mouth  

• Inability to concentrate  

• Irritability and difficulty concentrating and a sense of being unable to control worrying thoughts.

• Uncertainty, self-doubt, and helplessness  

• Diarrhoea  

• Loss of sleep  

• Loss of appetite  

• Changes in the menstrual cycle  

What is panic disorder? 

These are sudden, unexpected, and unexplained periods of intense fear called panic attacks. Symptoms may include: 

• Chest pressure, chest pain, or palpitations  

• Increased heartbeat  

• Dizziness or light-headedness  

• Shortness of breath, tightness in the throat, or hyperventilation  

• Sweating, trembling, or shaking  

• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet  

• Fear of losing control  

• Fear of dying  

Panic attacks usually happen in the early 20s and are rare after the age of 65. Panic disorder is twice as common in women as in men. This leads to a persistent concern about future panic attacks and worry about their effects on life, health, work, and family. Many people who seek treatment also have agoraphobia. 

What is agoraphobia? 

Agoraphobia is anxiety about being in a place or a situation in which escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or help may not be available in the event of a panic attack. People with agoraphobia: 

• May dread bridges, tunnels, elevators, theatres, restaurants, buses, trains, crowded rooms, and streets. 

• Avoid these situations entirely or need the presence of a family member or friend to feel safe. 

• A few are confined to their homes and cannot even go to the bathroom alone. 

Levels of anxiety 

1. Mild anxiety 

At this level, anxiety is often manageable and can even be beneficial. 

• Physiological responses: It helps in concentration, learning, and problem-solving. The person appears alert, confident, and secure. While they may feel slight discomfort, restlessness, or tension, these symptoms do not interrupt daily activities. 

• Behavioural changes: The individual maintains the ability to work towards a goal and can effectively examine different alternatives. 

2. Moderate anxiety 

As anxiety increases, it begins to impact focus and physical stability. 

• Physiological responses: Key signs include an increased pulse rate and respiration. The person may experience shakiness, voice tremors, and difficulty in concentrating. 

• Behavioural changes: The individual’s focus shifts primarily to immediate events. This is often manifested through frequent changes in topics of conversation, questions, and body posture. At this stage, they may need to take guidance from others. 

3. Severe anxiety 

At the severe level, the symptoms become more intense and disruptive. 

• Physiological responses: There is a significant increase in pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. The person may have somatic (physical) complaints and experiences great difficulty in concentrating. 

• Behavioural changes: The individual feels increasingly threatened. They often engage in purposeless activities, such as constant pacing or hand-wringing. 

What causes anxiety disorders? 

• It may begin during or after a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one. 

• Some people say they have been anxious all their lives. 

• Others suddenly become anxious but cannot give a reason. 

• Anxiety may be a side effect of a medication or illness. 

• Anxiety disorders often run in families. 

How can you help a person with anxiety disorders? 

• Encourage them to talk about their feelings of discomfort, fear, and uneasiness. 

• Involve them in individual and group activities. 

• Try to reduce anxious situations. 

• Give medications as prescribed by their doctor. 

• Protect them from harm. 

• Ensure follow-up appointments with the doctor so they can monitor progress and make recommendations. 

• Psychological management is also helpful. 

Tips on coping with anxiety 

• Exercise regularly. 

• Get plenty of sleep. 

• Avoid alcohol and other substances. 

• Avoid caffeine.