Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Aspects, and Treatment

Introduction

Anxiety is usually a normal reaction to stress and is even essential in certain situations. For example, anxiety can signal pending danger, alerting and preparing an individual to remain attentive. Anxiety disorder, however, is distinct from ordinary feelings of nervousness — it involves excessive and persistent fear or worry. Anxiety disorder is the most common mental health condition, affecting around 30% of adults at some point during their lifetime (Craske et al., 2011). The positive side is that anxiety disorder is treatable, and several effective treatment mechanisms exist that enable people to live full, functional lives.

Anxiety involves excessive worry or anticipation about the future, and it is primarily associated with avoidance behavior and muscle tension. Anxiety disorders may prompt individuals to avoid situations that worsen or trigger their symptoms, which can impair personal relationships, job performance, and academic work. For a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, the anxiety must be disproportionate to the individual's age or situation and must meaningfully impair their ability to function. There are several kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and agoraphobia, among others.

Some of the risk factors for anxiety disorders are not fully understood; however, they may include environmental, genetic, developmental, and psychological factors (Rowa & Antony, 2008). In some cases, anxiety disorders run in families, suggesting that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stress can cause these conditions.

To diagnose and treat anxiety disorders, the first step is consulting a doctor to rule out any underlying physical problem. Once an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, a mental health professional can guide the patient in finding appropriate treatment. Regrettably, many people suffering from anxiety disorders never seek help — some fail to recognize that they have a treatable illness. Most anxiety disorders respond well to two primary treatment types: medication and psychotherapy, which can be administered separately or in combination (Craske et al., 2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help individuals learn new ways of thinking, reacting, and behaving in order to feel less anxious.

While medication cannot cure anxiety disorders, it can provide significant symptom relief. Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are commonly prescribed, usually for a short period of use (Rowa & Antony, 2008). Beta-blockers, typically used for heart conditions, are occasionally used to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety as well.

For those unable to access professional help, several self-help strategies can assist in managing anxiety disorder symptoms. Meditation and stress management techniques can be particularly beneficial. Support groups — both online and in person — provide opportunities to share coping strategies and experiences. Learning more about one's specific anxiety disorder, and helping friends and family understand the condition, has also been found to be helpful.

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