Anxiety is more than just a fleeting sensation of nervousness; for many, it’s a complex and persistent condition that can profoundly influence daily life. Grasping its intricate dynamics is crucial, not only for those directly affected but also for caregivers, families, and societies at large. Understanding the condition would help people around the individual facing anxiety handle and comfort them better and also create a sense of empathy.

Let’s explore anxiety in-depth, shedding light on its disorders, causes, manifestations, and those particularly vulnerable.

What is anxiety?

At its core, anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It manifests as an emotional state of apprehension, heightened alertness, and unease. Picture the sensation before a crucial presentation or when confronting uncertainty about the future. This reaction is hardwired into humans as a survival mechanism, alerting us to potential threats and urging caution. However, when anxiety extends beyond fleeting feelings and becomes an all-consuming cloud, it may signify an anxiety disorder.

People suffering from an anxiety disorder might have these alarming sensations for day-to-day activities and suffer from constant discomfort and a sense of fear and nervousness. 

Anxiety disorders: more than just worry

Anxiety disorders are a blanket term for conditions characterised by excessive, chronic feelings of worry, fear, or tension. For people grappling with these disorders, anxiety is not just an occasional concern. It’s a consistent, often debilitating feeling that severely impedes normal life and daily tasks.

Remedies for treating anxiety disorders

The intricate web of anxiety disorders might seem daunting, but with a myriad of treatment options available, recovery is within reach. The primary goal is to lessen the symptoms, ensure the individual’s safety, and improve overall functionality. The right treatment approach depends on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity, but often it’s a combination of various methods. Here’s a comprehensive look into these treatments:

Psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy involves speaking about the anxiety disorder with a trained mental health professional. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly beneficial for anxiety disorders. It teaches patients to recognize and respond to the thought patterns and behaviours that lead to anxious feelings.

Medication

Several types of medications are used to treat anxiety disorders. These may include:

• Antidepressants. Although they’re designed to treat depression, they also are the mainstay treatments for many anxiety disorders.
• Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are one of najbolji lijek protiv anksioznosti providing quick relief from acute anxiety. However, it is essential to note that this drug can have a habit-forming effect on people and is not advised for long-term use.
• Buspirone. Unlike most other medications for anxiety, buspirone’s mechanism is not entirely understood. However, it seems to affect serotonin levels. Buspirone is non-addictive and does not have a sedative effect. Side effects might include dizziness, headaches, or nausea.

Lifestyle and dietary changes

How we treat our bodies often reflects on our mental health. Certain habits can either alleviate or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol. Both can provoke anxiety attacks in some people and can disrupt sleep.
• Quitting smoking and refraining from using recreational drugs. Nicotine and other chemicals can worsen anxiety.
• Adopting a balanced diet. Eating regular meals and keeping a balanced diet can help maintain energy levels and a steady blood sugar level, reducing the potential onset of anxiety symptoms.
• Ensuring regular sleep patterns. Sleep is crucial for emotional and mental well-being. A lack of it can intensify anxiety and decrease the body’s ability to cope with stress.

Types of anxiety disorders

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Individuals with GAD experience an incessant and exaggerated worry about commonplace events or activities. They often anticipate the worst, even when there’s no apparent reason for concern. This overarching dread is paired with physical symptoms like headaches, sweating, irritability, and nausea.

Panic disorder

Those with a panic disorder suffer from spontaneous, out-of-the-blue panic attacks and are perpetually anxious about experiencing another. The intensity and suddenness of these attacks can mimic heart attacks, often leading individuals to emergency rooms.

Phobia-related disorders

These are rooted in intense, irrational fears of specific things or scenarios that pose little to no actual danger. They include:

• Specific phobias. Intense fears about specific objects or situations, such as heights or flying. Exposure to a specific object or situation may cause a sense of extreme panic and discomfort in the individual causing
• Agoraphobia. A debilitating fear of places or situations that might cause panic or feelings of entrapment.
• Social anxiety disorder or social phobia. Here, everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, fear, embarrassment, or self-consciousness. This might stem from the fear of being constantly judged, scrutinized and disliked by others in a social environment. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD is a chronic disorder characterised by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts known as obsessions and repetitive behaviours or mental acts, referred to as compulsions. Individuals with OCD often recognize that their obsessions aren’t true and that their compulsive behaviour is unreasonable. However, the distress caused by these obsessions or the fear that not carrying out compulsions will cause something bad to happen can make them feel driven to execute such behaviours.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a serious potentially debilitating condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, sudden death of a loved one, war, violent personal assault, or other life-threatening events. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event; witnessing a traumatic incident can also trigger this condition.

Separation anxiety disorder

Though most commonly identified in children, separation anxiety disorder can also be found in adults. It’s characterized by a high level of anxiety when separated from a place or person that provides feelings of security or safety. 

Causes of anxiety disorders

While pinpointing a singular cause for anxiety disorders is challenging, several potential triggers have been identified:

• Biological factors. Abnormalities in the brain, especially within structures linked to memories and emotions can sometimes play a role in developing anxiety.
• Environmental factors. Childhood traumas, adverse experiences, or a history of abuse might contribute significantly and increase the chances of being diagnosed with anxiety.
• Genetics. Those with family members with an anxiety disorder are more at risk of developing anxiety.
• Brain chemistry. An imbalance of neurotransmitters can disrupt communication in the brain and modify its structure and function, leading to anxiety.
• Personality. Individuals with certain personality traits, like being a perfectionist or having low self-esteem, are more predisposed.
• External stressors. Events such as loss, relationship problems, financial difficulties, or even starting a new job can usher in anxiety disorders.

Takeaway

In its pathological form, anxiety is an intricate interplay of genetics, environment, and individual experience. As with many aspects of mental health, awareness and understanding are paramount. Addressing and managing anxiety requires a multifaceted approach, including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and holistic practices. 

With the right support, individuals can navigate and conquer their anxiety, leading to a richer, more fulfilling life experience. If you or someone you know struggles with persistent anxiety, consider seeking professional help; there’s a world of resources, understanding, and care available. 

Samantha Green, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.