Anxiety is a mechanism by which the body responds to stressful situations. Anxiety includes being afraid of what would happen next. Many people get anxious in different parts of life but if a person has constant anxiety on and off for the last six months and it interferes with daily activities then a person may have an anxiety disorder. For instance, a person may have anxiety and nervousness before delivering a speech in front of a big audience, which is normal.
Types of anxiety disorders:
Anxiety occurs in many different disorders such as:
- Panic disorder.
This includes experiencing recurring panic attacks at unexpected times of the day.
- Phobia.
Phobia refers to being extremely fearful of a specific object, situation, or activity.
- Social anxiety disorder.
This disorder includes a person who is extremely afraid of being judged by others in social situations.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
This disorder includes people who have frequent irrational thoughts that can lead people to perform specific, repeated behaviors.
- Separation anxiety disorder.
This includes having fear of being away from home or loved ones.
Anxiety as a symptom:
There are a number of medical conditions in which anxiety is a prominent symptom. Such as:
1.post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2.Major depressive disorders.
3.Chronic disease such as COPD
4.Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
5.substance use disorders.
6.Chronic pain.
Symptoms of anxiety:
There are a variety of symptoms which an anxious person has such as being nervous about some thoughts which are not easy to control. Being restless and having trouble concentrating on different things are common symptoms of anxiety. There is difficulty in sleeping (insomnia) and the person feels lethargic and irritable. There are unexplained aches and pains as well.
Causes of anxiety:
The exact cause of anxiety is not known but a number of factors can cause anxiety. The causes of anxiety maybe stress due to any situation such as family problems, medical issues like depression, diabetes or arthritis etc. Anxiety and depression can also run in the family; there might be a family history. Childhood traumas such as child abuse or any other trauma in the past can add anxiety to a person’s personality. Accidents or surgeries can also cause anxiety.
Risk factors:
There are a number of factors which increase the risks of getting anxiety such as personality traits; a person may be shy and have an anxious personality. The life history of a person is also important; if a person has been exposed to negative and traumatic situations in the past, he may have anxiety disorders in the future. People having anxiety disorders in the family are at greater risk of getting them.
Diagnosis of Anxiety:
There is not only a single test which can directly detect anxiety in a person, but the diagnosis is based on a proper history, a lengthy physical examination, mental and health tests and some psychological questionnaires. In some cases, investigations such as blood and urine tests are done. There are some anxiety tests and scales which are used to check the stages or severity of anxiety.
Gerald R Dewes has also faced anxiety in his life but he faced it with his good nature and will power and did not give in to Anxiety.
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