Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine/ Endocrinology/Diabetes
Anxiety affects everyone in different ways. Sometimes the feelings of fear and dread don’t go away, or get worse over time.
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. For example, going to a job interview or giving a speech on the first day of school may cause some people to feel fearful and nervous. But if the feelings of anxiety are extreme, last for at least 6 months, and are interfering with life, the problem could be an anxiety disorder.
It’s normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking a test. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate people to work harder and do a better job. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes, but doesn’t interfere with everyday life.
In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with people all the time. It’s intense, and sometimes debilitating.
This type of anxiety may cause people to stop doing things they enjoy. For example, it may prevent them from entering an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving home in extreme cases. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder, and can affect anyone. But, according to the American Psychiatric Association, women are more likely than men to receive a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.
CAUSES OF ANXIETY
Experts aren’t sure of the exact cause of anxiety. But it’s likely that a combination of factors plays a role. The causes of anxiety may include:
• Stress
• Other medical issues, such as depression or diabetes
• First-degree relatives with generalized anxiety disorder
• Environmental concerns, such as child abuse
• Substance use
• Situations such as surgery or occupational hazard
In addition, researchers believe that it stems from the areas of the brain responsible for controlling fear and the storing and retrieval of emotional and fear-related memories.
RISK OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
With each type of anxiety, there are different risk factors. But there are some general influences, including:
• Personality traits. This includes shyness and nervousness in childhood.
• Life history. This includes being exposed to negative or stressful live events.
• Genetics. Of those who have a diagnosis of anxiety, 25 percent have a first-degree relative who also has a diagnosis of anxiety.
• Other health conditions. Thyroid problems and other health conditions can make you prone to anxiety.
• Stimulants. Consuming caffeine, specific substances and medications can worsen the symptoms.
TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety is a vital part of several different disorders. These include:
• Panic disorder. This means you experience recurring panic attacks at unexpected times.
• Phobia. This is an excessive fear of a specific object, situation or activity.
• Social anxiety disorder. This is an extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This means people have recurring irrational thoughts that lead them to perform specific, repeated behaviours.
• Separation anxiety disorder. This means having a fear of being away from home or loved ones.
• Illness anxiety disorder. This is anxiety about health (formerly called hypochondria).
In addition, several mental health and medical conditions may feature anxiety as a symptom. These include:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is anxiety following a traumatic event.
• Major depressive disorders. A strong relationship exists between depression and anxiety.
• Chronic disease. Managing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes may result in anxiety symptoms.
• Inflammatory conditions. Anxiety can lead to chronic inflammation and diseases such as arthritis.
• Substance use disorders: many people with anxiety may try to self-medicate to help manage their symptoms.
• Chronic pain. Anxiety is often found in those with chronic pain disorders.
SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
Anxiety feels different, depending on the person experiencing it. Feelings can range from butterflies in the stomach to a racing heart. People might feel out of control, like there’s a disconnect between the mind and body.
They may have a general feeling of fear and worry, or they may fear a specific place or event. In some cases, you may experience a panic attack.
Symptoms of anxiety can include:
• Anxious thoughts or beliefs that are difficult to control.
• Restlessness
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Unexplained aches and pains
The anxiety symptoms might be different from someone else’s. That’s why it’s essential to know how anxiety can present itself.
DIAGNOSIS
A single test can’t diagnose anxiety. Instead, an anxiety diagnosis requires a lengthy process of physical examinations, mental health tests, and psychological questionnaires.
Some doctors or healthcare professionals may conduct a physical exam, including blood or urine tests, to rule out underlying medical conditions that could contribute to the symptoms being experienced.
Several anxiety tests and scales are also used to help a doctor assess the level of anxiety.
TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY
Treatment for anxiety falls into three categories:
• Psychotherapy. Therapy can include cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure response prevention.
• Complemental health techniques. Mindfulness, yoga, and self-management strategies such as stress management are ways to treat anxiety using alternative methods.
• Medication. Doctors prescribe antianxiety and antidepressant drugs.
Meeting with a therapist or psychologist can help people learn tools to use and strategies to cope with stress when it occurs.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ANXIETY
Lifestyle changes can effectively relieve some of the stress and anxiety people may cope with every day. Most natural “remedies” consist of caring for the body and participating in healthy activities while eliminating unhealthy ones. These include:
• Getting enough sleep
• Meditating
• Staying active and exercising
• Eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding caffeine
• Quitting smoking cigarettes
If these lifestyle changes seem like a positive way to help people to eliminate some anxiety, read about how each one works; plus, get more great ideas for treating anxiety.
