Anxiety Disorder

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).

A sufferer typically:

• Experiences relentless and exaggerated anxiety in the absence of valid concerns, which can be debilitating
• Is prone to always expect the worst
• Blows things out of proportion
• Grapples with all-consuming fear and dread to the point of it interfering with their ability to live a normal life

• Headaches
• Constant worry
• Diffuculty sleeping
• Exagerated worry
• Muscle tension
• Easily startled

• 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

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

The above illustrates that GAD cannot be ignored or dismissed as a “mental issue”. Rather, it can be crippling and presents immense challenges to an individual’s general health and physical wellbeing.

Although depression and anxiety differ considerably, there are some commonalities, such as:

• Restlessness
• Excessive worrying
• Agitation

Those with GAD may, in addition, also experience one or more of the following:

• Irrational fears
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Clinical depression
• Addiction problems (drugs, alcohol)
• Generalised panic disorder
• Burnout

The exact cause has not yet been established. However, experts agree that several factors may play a role, such as:

• 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 compared to adults (three or more).

The process may entail:

• 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

GAD 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