Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety for the most part, is a normal response in potentially dangerous or stressful situations. The automatic fight-or-flight mode in the brain is triggered when circumstances arise that are perceived as threatening.
A healthy amount of anxiety is necessary as this helps people stay alert and spurs action. But when anxiety becomes a constant and the overwhelming fears interfere with relationships and daily life, it is likely that anxiety disorder lies at the root of the problem.
Anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves an excessive amount of anxiety or worry about anything from health or work to everyday happenings for at least 6 months. The fear and anxiety can cause significant problems in most areas of a person’s life.
An anxiety attack can occur suddenly without warning and intense feelings of fear and loss of control are experienced. Anxiety attacks usually peak within 10 minutes and rarely last more than half an hour.
Emotional / mental signs and symptoms of Anxiety disorder may include:
| •        Irritability
•        Constant state of alertness •        Feelings of dread and angst •        Trouble concentrating •        Trouble processing thoughts |
Physical symptoms can include:
| •        Sweating
•        Heart palpitations •        Headaches •        Dizziness •        Shortness of breath •        Muscle tension •        Frequent urination and diarrhoea •        Shaking •        Insomnia |
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Types of anxiety disorder include:
| •        Social Anxiety disorder
•        Generalised anxiety disorder •        Obsessive-compulsive disorder •        Panic disorders •        Post-traumatic stress disorder |
Anxiety disorders respond exceptionally well to therapy. The individual treatment approach depends on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity. But in general, most anxiety disorders are treated with therapy, medication, or some use a combination of the two.