Abstract
Anxiety is a normal human emotion characterised by feelings of fear and tension or worried thoughts. Occasional is normal but if it starts to interfere with person's daily optimum functioning, it becomes a disorder. The exact cause of anxiety is not known, although the development of anxiety is attributed to a combination of genes, brain function, and environmental stress. This chapter defines the term “anxiety,” outlines the causes and risk factors, and identifies the characteristic features of anxiety. Strategies for managing anxiety and treatment options are also discussed.
TopOutcomes
On completion of this module, readers should be able to
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define “anxiety” in their own words
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distinguish between “normal” anxiety and anxiety disorders
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list possible causes of anxiety
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explain possible contributing factors to the development of both normal anxiety and pathological anxiety
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outline the common characteristic features of anxiety
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differentiate between different forms of anxiety disorders
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discuss the management of anxiety disorders
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discuss the treatment of anxiety.
TopIntroduction
Anxiety is a human emotion and is experienced by everyone from time to time. According to the American Psychological Association (2019), anxiety is characterised by feelings of fear and tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like rapid breathing. Experiencing anxiety occasionally is a normal part of life. Unfortunately, some people may experience anxiety to such a heightened level that it causes them great distress. This level of anxiety can interfere with people's ability to function optimally, affecting important areas of their lives such as work, school and relationships. When anxiety reaches this level of distress, it is no longer normal but has become pathological; hence people start to speak about an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes. Therefore, anxiety commonly co-occurs with bipolar disorders (BDs), but the significance of such co-morbidity remains to be clarified and its optimal treatment adequately defined (Vázquez, Baldessarini, & Tondo, 2014). According to Hanson, & Modiba, (2017), they are a result of abnormal neurotransmitter function within the central nervous system. Abnormal functioning of neurochemicals as well as abnormal chemoreceptor activity lead to anxiety. There are various neurotransmitters that are involved in anxiety such as serotonin, glutamate, gamma-amino butyric acid (Hanson, & Modiba, 2017). Different strategies are identified to reduce anxiety, enhance coping skills and treatment for anxiety disorders is available and the earlier it is undergone the better (Vázquez, Baldessarini, & Tondo, 2014).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Stress Management Techniques: Are range of strategies to help you better deal with stress and difficulty (adversity) in your life. Managing stress can help you lead a more balanced, healthier life ( Palmer, & Cooper, 2013 ).
Anxiety: Is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview ( Appukuttan, 2016 ).
Medication: A drug or other form of medicine that is used to treat or prevent disease (Ponikowski, Anker, AlHabib, Cowie, Force, Hu, & Filippatos, 2014 AU23: The in-text citation "Ponikowski, Anker, AlHabib, Cowie, Force, Hu, & Filippatos, 2014" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Support Groups: A group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice ( Evans, Donelle, & Hume-Loveland, 2012 ).
Psychotherapy: Is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors ( Angermeyer, Van Der Auwera, Carta, & Schomerus, 2017 ).
Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances ( Mittal, & Kumar, 2018 ).
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It's most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems ( Beck, 2020 ).
Anxiety Disorder: Is a type of mental health condition. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may respond to certain things and situations with fear and dread. You may also experience physical signs of anxiety, such as a pounding heart and sweating. It's normal to have some anxiety ( Rector, Bourdeau, Kitchen, & Joseph-Massiah, 2016 ).