Anxiety Disorder

• THERE ARE FIVE MAJOR ANXIETY DISORDERS
• COMMON SYMPTOMS OF GAD (GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER)?
• PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
• EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
• DEPRESSION VERSUS ANXIETY
• THE PROBLEM GOES BEYOND GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER
• CAUSES
• DIAGNOSIS
• MANAGEMENT 
• COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
• MEDICATION

1. Generalised anxiety disorder
2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
3. Panic disorder
4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
5. Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder)

This brochure is based on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

Common symptoms include the following:

• Headaches
• Constant worry
• Difficulty sleeping
• Exaggerated worry
• Muscle tension
• Easily startled

Physical symptoms include the following:

• Dizziness/immobility
• Headaches
• Difficulty with concentration
• Sweating
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Rapid breathing or breathlessness
• Increased blood pressure
• Muscle tension
• Frequent urination
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Change in sleep patterns
• Trembling

Emotional symptoms include the following:

• Excessive worrying
• Irritability or agitation
• Restlessness
• Feeling tense or highly strung
• Being on edge

The above illustrates that generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) cannot be ignored or dismissed as a “mental issue”. On the contrary, it can be crippling and presents immense challenges to an individual’s general health and physical wellbeing.

The exact cause of generalised anxiety disorder has not yet been established. However, experts agree that several factors may play a role. For example:

• The incorrect functioning of certain nerve cell pathways, particularly those that are involved with emotions and thinking.
• These pathways depend on messengers, called neurotransmitters, to connect.
• Thus, problems with these nerve cell pathways and/or messengers may result in “faulty” connections, and subsequently GAD.
• Genetics
• Family history may increase the likelihood of the disorder
• Environmental factors
• Trauma
• Stressful event
• Substance withdrawal

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) defines the diagnosis for mental health professionals as:
For children, the anxiety and worry are associated with fewer (one or more) of the six symptoms. Conversely, for adults this number is higher (three or more).
The process may entail the following:

• Medical and psychiatric history
• A physical examination and lab tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms
• Reports on the intensity and time-frame of the symptoms
• Evaluation of the degree of the dysfunction

Generalised anxiety disorder is usually managed through medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy, addressing both physical and emotional symptoms.

• Learning more about the condition
• Changes in thought and behavioural patterns
• Relaxation techniques

• Short-term sedative-hypnotics
• Certain anti-depressants (SSRI’s & SNRI’s)
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Other ranges of medication may also play a role, including pregabalin and agomelatine

• Exercise and a healthy diet
• Avoiding or reducing caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
• Adequate sleep
• A support structure

^{Last reviewed : 10 August 2024}