What are anxiety disorders?

Everybody worries or feels some form of anxiety. Anxiety is a diffuse, unpleasant, vague sense of apprehension, often accompanied by other symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, stomach discomfort and restlessness. This may be a normal reaction to certain events like right before an exam or when your boss suddenly wants to talk to you.

Anxiety becomes pathologic when symptoms become excessive, interfere with your day-to-day activities or when it persists for a specific duration of time. There are several types of anxiety disorders.

The most common are:

• generalized anxiety disorders
• panic disorders
• specific phobia
• acute stress disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

What causes anxiety disorders?

The causes of anxiety disorders are a mix of both genetic and environmental factors. More than half of patients with anxiety disorder have a first degree relative with anxiety disorders. In the brain, certain chemicals or neurotransmitters are in excess in patients with anxiety disorders. Serotonin and norepinephrine are most commonly implicated and are the target of medications. Also, anxiety disorder may be triggered by previous experiences. Children with anxious parents may grow up to have excessive anxiety as a result of learning; or traumatic experiences may produce excessive fear of anything related to the event as time passes by.

Diagnosing anxiety disorders

You may need to see a professional to determine if the anxiety you are experiencing is a cause for concern. Assessment is usually done through a structured interview or questionnaire. Your doctor may also do some laboratory tests to rule out other medical conditions which mimic anxiety (e.g. hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma).

Symptoms which often accompany anxiety are:

• Overwhelming feelings of panic and fear
• Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
• Painful, intrusive memories
• Recurring nightmares
• Physical symptoms such as feeling “sick” and “butterflies” in the stomach, heart pounding, startling easily and muscle tension

Treatment for anxiety disorders

Treatment is almost always necessary as persons with anxiety often complain of how unpleasant and debilitating anxiety can be. Medicines are given to regulate the excessive chemicals in the brain and body which produce symptoms of anxiety. These are often maintained for several months to decrease the risk of subsequent recurrence. Studies also show that psychotherapy, if given with the medications, produce the best results. Behavioral and cognitive techniques are done to help the patient understand the sources of anxiety and correct wrong assumptions which contribute to one’s anxiety.

Source: Kaplan & Saddock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry, 9th Edition

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

The Medical City offers a roster of competent psychiatrists who may assess and treat people with anxiety. For information, you may contact:

The Medical City Department of Psychiatry Out-Patient Clinic
Tel. no. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6132 / 6133

Center for Patient Partnership

Tel. no. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444