Anxiety

Definition

Anxiety arises from intense worry or apprehension about future events. While occasional anxiety is normal,  it is also a beneficial response since it motivates individuals to protect loved ones or improve performance. It only becomes problematic when it starts to interfere with daily functioning.

At its core, anxiety is linked to heightened vigilance or tension in anticipation of potentially threatening situations. It becomes clinically significant when the individual's behaviour is noticeably disruptive and the associated distress exceeds what is typically considered manageable. In such cases, the physiological “fight or flight” response becomes overactivated, with the reaction being disproportionate to the actual threat.

Multiple factors contribute to the onset of anxiety, including genetic predispositions, individual temperament, and early life experiences. Ongoing life stressors may further heighten vulnerability to anxiety disorders.

Diagnosis

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), anxiety disorders encompass several distinct conditions, each with specific diagnostic criteria. These disorders frequently begin in childhood and can persist into adulthood if left untreated.

A diagnosis generally requires symptoms to persist for at least six months, although this timeframe allows for some clinical flexibility. Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in females than in males, with an observed 2:1 ratio. Importantly, a clinical diagnosis is only made after ruling out other potential medical or psychiatric conditions.

Mental health professionals often utilize standardized assessment tools to aid in the accurate identification and classification of anxiety disorders.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday matters. Individuals with GAD often find it challenging to relax and remain in a constant state of heightened alertness. Read about the causes and symptoms about GAD.
  2. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Previously referred to as social phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder involves an intense, persistent fear of being judged in social or performance situations. Individuals often feel extreme discomfort around unfamiliar people, leading to avoidance behaviours that can significantly impair social functioning. More on Social Phobia aka Social Anxiety Disorder
  3. Panic Disorder: Panic Disorder is marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. These attacks may occur without warning or be triggered by identifiable situations. More on  what causes Panic disorders.
  4. Selective Mutism: Selective Mutism is a rare anxiety disorder that typically develops in early childhood. It is characterized by the inability to speak in certain social settings despite speaking comfortably in others, usually within the home. Find what contributing factors impacts children on social anxiety disorders.
  5. Health Anxiety and Death Anxiety: Health Anxiety involves excessive concern about becoming ill, often leading to compulsive checking behaviours. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals may have frequently monitored their heart rate and catastrophize minor changes.

Death Anxiety refers to deep-seated fear about death, often repressed but influencing behaviour through various defense mechanisms.

Treatment:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

  • For health anxiety, CBT targets maladaptive thoughts and behaviours associated with illness. 
  • For death anxiety, techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy are used to normalize the concept of death and reduce its perceived threat.

Causes

  1. Genetics
  2. Maladaptive coping patterns
  3. History of trauma and abuse 
  4. Excessive stress in everyday life

Conclusion: Understanding anxiety is the first step toward managing it effectively and compassionately. With the right tools and support, individuals can regain control and lead balanced, fulfilling lives. 

Related Resources: If you are struggling with anxiety, access these resources to help:

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