PDN Article: Nov. 22, 2013
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that
everyone experiences at times when faced with a problem, such as worrying about
money, family relationships, a problem at work or school, taking an exam, or
making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, can cause such
distress that it interferes with the person's ability to function with everyday
tasks.
For persons with anxiety disorders, worry and
fear are constant, excessive, overwhelming and can be debilitating.
Anxiety disorders include the following types
of anxiety:
• generalized anxiety disorder;
• panic disorder;
• post-traumatic stress disorder;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder; and
• social phobias.
Generalized anxiety disorder involves extreme
and unrealistic worry about things, even when there is little or no reason to
worry about.
Panic disorder involves sudden attacks of fear
without warning that lasts for several minutes. It occurs repeatedly. Panic
attacks occur at unpredictable times and some of the symptoms resemble that of
the person having a heart attack.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition
that can develop following a traumatic and terrifying event such as a physical
or sexual assault, a tragic loss of a loved one, serving in combat or as a
result of a disaster. People with PTSD often have lasting and frightening
thoughts and memories of the event that affects their ability to function.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition
involving constant disturbing thoughts or fears that cause the person to
perform certain rituals or routines. The disturbing thoughts are called
obsessions and the rituals are called compulsions. An example is a person with
an unreasonable fear of germs constantly washes his or her hands.
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social
phobia, involves overwhelming worry and strong feelings of being judged by
others and of being embarrassed. This fear often gets in the way of going to
school or work or doing other everyday things.
Specific phobias are intense fear of a
specific object or situation, such as snakes, heights or flying. The fear is
usually inappropriate to the situation and may cause the person to avoid common
everyday situations.
General symptoms
General symptoms of anxiety disorders include
the following:
• muscle tension and inability to be calm
and relax;
• unexplained bodily pains and feeling
tired all the time;
• problems sleeping and nightmares;
• difficulty concentrating;
• feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness;
• uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts;
• ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated
hand washing, checking if the door is locked;
• cold or sweaty hands and/or feet;
• shortness of breath and palpitations;
• numbness or tingling in the hands or
feet;
• trouble controlling their constant
worries;
• dry mouth and trouble swallowing; and
• using the bathroom a lot.
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is
unknown, but like some forms of mental illness, personal weakness or poor
upbringing are not the causes. Researchers have found that several parts of the
brain are involved in fear and anxiety.
Combination of factors
As research continues on mental illness, it is
becoming clear that many of these disorders are caused by a combination of
factors including changes in the brain and environmental stress. Trauma or
significant events may trigger an anxiety disorder in people who have an
inherited susceptibility to developing the disorder.
By learning more about fear and anxiety in the
brain, scientists may be able to create better treatments.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing
any of these anxiety symptoms, talk to your doctor or a mental health
professional about it. A thorough exam is necessary to make sure another
physical problem isn't causing the symptoms.
Anxiety disorders are generally treated with
psychotherapy, medication or both, and early identification and treatment is
essential.
In helping children cope early on with fear
and anxiety, encourage them to ask questions and to talk about fears they may
have. Listen to what they say. Communicate with your children in simple ways
that they can understand.
In addressing death, be honest and tell them
the person has died rather than has "gone to sleep," or children may
become afraid of going to sleep. Provide comfort and assurance that address
their specific fears.
It is OK to admit you can't answer all their
questions and then find someone who can help.
Annie F.B. Unpingco,
LCSW, is administrator of I Famagu'on-ta at the Guam Behavioral Health and
Wellness Center.
