What are Anxiety Disorders?

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders:

Most people will experience feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives, particularly during stressful events, such as before an exam or a job interview.

In people with anxiety disorders, these feelings are present a lot of the time and may affect their day to day life. Examples of anxiety disorders are: generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and health anxiety. If you feel like your anxiety is impacting your day to day life, it's a really good idea to make an appointment with your GP.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder: regular worrying about everyday life. This is a broad diagnosis and symptoms can vary from person to person.

Social Anxiety Disorder: fear or anxiety triggered by social situations.

Panic Disorder: frequent panic attacks without an obvious cause or trigger.

Phobias: fear or anxiety triggered by certain situations or objects.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: can include flashbacks or nightmares after you have experienced a traumatic event.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: when your anxiety problems involve having repetitive thoughts, behaviours or urges.

Health Anxiety: usually related to OCD, where you have anxiety and obsession related to different illnesses, causing repetitive thoughts or behaviours.

People with an anxiety disorder may only experience one or two symptoms of anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety differently. Symptoms of anxiety include light-headedness or feeling dizzy, feeling restless, headaches, fast breathing, a fast, thumping heart rate, nausea, sleep problems, hot flushes and sweating, needing the toilet more often, having panic attacks, feeling tense or nervous, having a sense of dread, feeling like you can't stop worrying, fearing that bad things will happen if you stop worrying, wanting lots of reassurance, low mood or depression, worrying that people are angry or upset with you, derealisation, and depersonalisation.

Causes of Anxiety Disorders:

There are usually a number of reasons that cause your anxiety to develop, or sometimes there isn't a reason at all. Some common causes are past or childhood experiences, your current life situation, physical and mental health problems, or drugs and medication. More specific reasons are: physical or emotional abuse, neglect, losing a parent, bullying, exhaustion or stress, pressure from university or work, money or housing problems, bereavement, feeling lonely or isolated, side effects of medications or drugs, and long working hours.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders:

You can access talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and applied relaxation therapy. Your doctor may prescribe you medications such as antidepressants, pregabalin, or beta-blockers. You can access treatment by self-referral (for CBT and other talking therapies) or by visiting your GP. Treatments on the NHS have long waiting lists, so you may find seeking help through a charity or an organisation is faster. Private therapy is also an option if you can afford it.

Anxiety is a condition that can be managed, and is not a reason to be embarrassed or ashamed. You are not alone, and there are plenty of people waiting to help you.

By Aisia Lea.