Anxiety 

Anxiety is a prevalent mental health ailment that affects millions worldwide. In mild form, anxiety can heighten awareness and focus, pushing individuals to prepare thoroughly for essential tasks, such as exams or presentations. However, if not well managed, chronic anxiety can significantly impact daily tasks, making even simple activities feel overwhelming. Many people experience anxiety symptoms without realising what they are or how to address them effectively. Let's explore the key aspects of anxiety, including anxiety symptoms in women and men. 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal body reaction to stressful events that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It manifests as feelings of unease, fear, or worry that can range from mild restlessness to severe emotional overwhelming. This emotion serves as the body's response to stress and can be beneficial in everyday situations. It can alert our system to potential dangers and help us stay focused and prepared.

However, anxiety becomes a concern when it interferes with daily life. For some individuals, anxiety is more constant and difficult to control. It can affect their functioning in various aspects of life, including job performance, schoolwork, and personal relationships.

Anxiety differs from fear, although the terms are often used interchangeably. While fear is a present-oriented, short-lived response to a specific threat, anxiety is a future-oriented, long-acting response to a more diffuse threat. 

When anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. These disorders are the most common type of mental health conditions, affecting nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. They include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, specific phobias, and social anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety symptoms in men and women can vary in each patient and may affect both physical and mental well-being. Common physical signs include: 

• A rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive sweating
• Muscle tension
• Trembling
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or stomach aches
• Headaches and sleep disturbances 

On the psychological front, anxiety often causes: 

• Persistent worry 
• A sense of impending doom
• Restlessness 
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling on edge 
• Trouble controlling their concerns. 

In severe cases, people might experience panic attacks or develop agoraphobia, avoiding situations that trigger their anxiety.

Causes and Risk Factors of Anxiety

Anxiety has a complex set of causes that involve both genetic and environmental factors. 

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety and certain gene variations are linked to increased susceptibility to anxiety. 
• Environmental Experiences: They play a crucial role in triggering or exacerbating anxiety symptoms. These can be:
  • Childhood trauma (history of emotional or physical abuse, neglect, or losing a parent)
  • Work-related pressure
  • Financial strain
  • Significant life changes
  • Illness or ongoing health conditions
  • Other mental health conditions, such as depression
  • Substance use or misuse, including drugs and alcohol
  • Social isolation
  • Negative life events
  • Socioeconomic factors like poverty, unemployment, and low education levels
  • Material deprivation
• Neurobiological Factors: Key neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and norepinephrine are involved in regulating anxiety. Brain structures (hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex) have been implicated in processing fear and emotional responses.

Complications

Anxiety can significantly impact both physical & mental health, resulting in various complications if left untreated. These may include: 

• Depression: This combination of anxiety and depression can worsen symptoms and make treatment for anxiety more challenging.
• Sleep Disturbances: Many people with anxiety problems report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep. 
• Cognitive Impairment: Chronic anxiety can also affect cognitive function, making it difficult to focus, regulate emotions, and perform daily activities effectively. This can result in decreased productivity and difficulties in work or personal life. 
• Social Isolation: The fear of judgement or embarrassment may cause individuals to avoid social situations, leading to loneliness and a reduced support network.
• Physical Health: Research has found links between anxiety and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, gastrointestinal issues, and the cardiovascular system (potentially increasing the risk of heart problems).

Diagnosis

There is no single test to identify anxiety. 

• Clinical Evaluation: Doctors typically start with a thorough medical assessment, including a physical exam and a patient's medical history review. 
• Lab Tests: Blood tests or imaging scans can rule out underlying physical conditions that could be causing symptoms. For instance, hyperthyroidism can mimic anxiety symptoms and needs to be excluded.
• Psychological Reference: If no physical cause is found, the doctor may refer the patient to a mental health doctor. 
• Psychologists or psychiatrists use specific criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose anxiety disorders. 
• Several screening tools can help in the diagnosis process, such as The Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale-7 (GAD-7) and GAD-2.

Treatment

Treating anxiety involves a combination of psychological therapies and medications, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is often considered the most effective psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. It helps people get to know their negative thought patterns and behaviours that cause their anxiety. 
• Relaxation Techniques: Applied relaxation is another therapeutic approach that teaches people to relax their muscles in anxiety-inducing situations.
• Medications: 
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)  
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 
  • Benzodiazepines 
  • Non-pharmaceutical Options: 
• Regular exercise
  • Practising mindfulness techniques
  • Maintaining a healthy diet 
  • Reducing caffeine intake 
  • Ensuring adequate sleep 

When to See a Doctor

It's crucial to seek professional help if: 

• Anxiety symptoms interfere with your daily life. 
• You find yourself worrying excessively.
• It's affecting your work, relationships, or other aspects of your life 
• Your fear or anxiety is difficult to control and causing distress
• When a person experiences anxiety symptoms for an extended period, typically two weeks or more. 
• You suspect your anxiety might be linked to a physical health problem
• You're struggling with other mental health concerns, such as depression or substance use alongside anxiety

Prevention

Preventing anxiety involves making lifestyle changes that can have a significant impact on diminishing symptoms and improving overall well-being. These include:

• Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. 
• A Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet enriched in fruits, vegetables, whole grains & lean proteins can help stabilise mood and energy levels. 
• Avoid Substances That Can Worsen Anxiety: These are alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and recreational drugs.
• Getting Enough Quality Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep routine, aiming for eight hours of rest each night. 
• Engaging in Relaxation Techniques: These may include guided imagery, intentional breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation. Mindfulness practises, like meditation or yoga, can also help some individuals manage their anxiety symptoms effectively.
• Building a Strong Support Network: Talking about your feelings with trusted friends and family members or joining support groups can provide relief and help you feel less isolated when dealing with anxiety problems.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a complex issue that has an impact on millions of people worldwide. If you're dealing with anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Whether it's talking to a trusted friend, making lifestyle changes, or consulting a doctor, there are many ways to tackle anxiety problems. With the right approach and support, it's possible to reduce anxiety symptoms with improved quality of life. 

FAQs

1. Is anxiety normal?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to many different situations in our lives. Everyone can experience feelings of anxiety at some point, such as before a job interview, an exam, or a medical test. These feelings of worry or unease can be perfectly normal and even helpful in certain circumstances. Anxiety can spur us on, help us stay alert, and motivate us to solve problems. However, anxiety becomes a concern when it starts to interfere with your ability to live your life. 

2. What is the root cause of anxiety?

The exact reason for anxiety is not fully understood, but a combination of numerous factors likely plays a role. Some potential root causes include:

• Genetics: Research suggests that anxiety can run in families, indicating a genetic component.
• Childhood experiences: Traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or bullying, can increase the risk of developing anxiety later in life.
• Current life situations: Stress related to work, education, relationships, or financial issues can trigger anxiety.
• Physical health: Living with a serious or chronic health condition can contribute to anxiety.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters may play a role in anxiety disorders.
• Environmental factors: Social isolation, negative life events, and societal pressures can all contribute to anxiety.

3. How common are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 3.3% of India's population (44.9 million people). They're more prevalent in females and urban areas. Kerala, Manipur, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have the highest rates.

Dr. Mazher Ali

MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 406 810 6585