DEFINITION

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling of worry and doubt, which is often accompanied by physical symptoms. Anxiety is a normal response to uncertain situations. An Anxiety disorder is excessive, daily Anxiety that lasts for more than six months and interferes with the ability to live normally.

DESCRIPTION

Anxiety disorder is common, affecting up to 5% of the population each year. Women are affected twice as often as men. The disorder often begins in late childhood but may occur at any age. Generalised Anxiety Disorder causes people to worry constantly about harm befalling themselves or loved ones, financial issues, their health, work, daily chores or personal relationships. The level of anxiety is far greater than the situation warrants and begins to affect the person's ability to lead a normal life

Many mental or emotional conditions are called Anxiety Disorders. They differ from Generalised Anxiety Disorder because the worry is usually directed at a specific trigger, rather than just life in general. See each individual topic for further information:
- Phobias. Phobias involve intense fears about particular objects or situations, such as closed-in spaces, crowds or spiders. People with Phobias go to great lengths to avoid the trigger and experience extreme Anxiety if they are exposed to it.
- Social Phobia. People with social phobia fear that others will judge everything they do in a negative way. They often become isolated and withdrawn.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. OCD involves constant, unwanted thoughts, and often results in the performance of elaborate rituals in an attempt to control or banish the persistent thoughts, such as repetitive hand washing or counting.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD affects people who have directly witnessed major traumas where fatalities either occurred or were likely, such as war, fire, serious accidents, criminal attacks and natural disasters. PTSD may cause nightmares or flashbacks for years after the event.
- Agoraphobia. This involves a fear of being in places or situations from which easy escape or help might be unavailable if a panic attack occurs.
- Panic Attacks. People with this disorder experience extreme feelings of panic in situations where most people would not be afraid.

Anxiety may also be a symptom of an underlying physical disorder, such as brain trauma, infections, inner ear disorders, heart problems, thyroid disease, asthma or emphysema. Alcohol, caffeine, illicit substances and many prescription drugs may cause Anxiety. Drug or alcohol withdrawal also causes Anxiety. In these cases, the Anxiety usually resolves once the primary cause has been identified and treated.

PREVENTION

1) Quit smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.
2) Reduce alcohol intake. Alcohol and recreational drugs can contribute to feelings of Anxiety.
3) Exercise can help improve symptoms of Anxiety and/or depression. See the Exercising for Health topic for more information.
4) Reduce caffeine intake (tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks). Caffeine may trigger Anxiety and can interfere with some medications. Drink water, fruit juice and herbal or decaffeinated drinks.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Anxiety usually causes at least three or more of the following symptoms: restlessness, unusual tiredness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and disturbed sleep. In Generalised Anxiety Disorder, the symptoms last for more than six months and are not caused by an underlying physical problem.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Severe Anxiety disorders can cause considerable suffering. Consult your Doctor, who may refer you to a specialist such as a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Behavioural Therapist or Counsellor. Some approaches to relieving Anxiety include:
- Medication. Medications should not be considered a cure on their own, but are used to relieve anxiety so that the person can concentrate on counselling and behaviour therapy.
- Counselling. Counselling and behaviour therapy can help people understand the reasons behind the Anxiety and develop techniques to manage it.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Your Pharmacist can help if you have queries about any medication you are taking.
2) Anti-smoking products can help reduce cravings if you are trying to quit. Ask your Pharmacist for advice about nicotine replacement therapy.
3) Stress management programs may help. Ask your Pharmacist for a recommendation.
4) Caffeine may interact with some anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications. Check with your Pharmacist.
5) Follow the Diet Hints and consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is inadequate.

DIET HINTS

- Decrease caffeine intake. Have no more than 3-4 caffeinated drinks per day. Try water, fruit juice and herbal or decaffeinated tea and coffee instead.
- Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1-2 standard drinks per day.
- Eat plenty of foods high in B vitamins. These include, eggs, brewers' yeast, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and wheat germ.
- See the Healthy Eating Diet for more information.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

These supplements may only be beneficial if the dietary intake is inadequate. Consult your Doctor before commencing supplements, as many have adverse interactions with other medications.
- Calcium, magnesium are minerals which can help to calm the nervous system.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may be beneficial in treating stress and anxiety.
- St. John's Wort may be of benefit in treating Anxiety associated with mild to moderate depression. If you are taking any medication for depression or anxiety, consult your pharmacist before taking St. John's Wort.
- Valerian is a strong nerve relaxer and can be especially helpful for insomnia caused by anxiety.
Chamomile may be beneficial in as it is a good nerve relaxer.

AROMATHERAPY

Certain essential oils are suggested for the relief of Anxiety. The most specific oils are shown in capitals. These include
Basil, BERGAMOT, BLUE CHAMOMILE, CEDARWOOD, CHAMOMILE, CLARY SAGE, FRANKINCENSE, Geranium, LAVENDER, MELISSA, NEROLI, Orange, Rose, Rosewood, and YLANG YLANG.

ORGANISATIONS and SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Australian National Association for Mental Health topic on the Healthpoint.

Provided by