Management and Treatment of Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is a growing concern in the United States. Depression is currently the top mental disorder, according to Rutgers University sociologist Allan Horwitz, but he states it will soon be outpaced by anxiety disorders. Not all anxious feelings are cause for concern: Mild anxiety is, in fact, a normal reaction to certain events. Anxiety disorders go beyond that, however, with symptoms that get in the way of a person's daily life and activities. An anxiety disorder can usually be successfully treated and managed to help sufferers lead a more normal life.

Types

• The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that there are five types of anxiety disorders, all of which can usually be managed and treated effectively. Generalized anxiety disorder involves worry, anxiety and fear when there's no concrete reason for those feelings. Social anxiety disorder is similar to generalized anxiety, but the feelings in this case are caused by common social situations like being with others or speaking in front of people. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that manifests itself in repetitive behaviors like constant hand-washing or rituals like checking the stove several times before leaving the house. Panic disorder involves sudden panic attacks that usually don't have a specific trigger. Post-traumatic stress disorder is continued anxiety that starts after a traumatic life event like being assaulted or living through a severe disaster.

Characteristics

• The Anxiety Disorders Association of America states that there are certain characteristics that separate anxiety disorders from normal stress-based reactions. For example, a person with everyday worries might some spend time fretting about current layoffs at his company or a fight with his girlfriend. His fears would have specific, legitimate causes. Someone with an anxiety disorder might worry continually and be unable to pinpoint the exact source. It would be normal for a person who is set to speak at a business meeting to be somewhat nervous and apprehensive, but someone with an anxiety disorder might go into a full-blown panic attack. Management and treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms and helping the person overcome the limitations imposed by the disorder.

Symptoms

• Catherine Woulfe, a health reporter for the "Sunday Star Times," lists fear, edginess, restlessness and irritability as common anxiety-disorder symptoms. These disorders can also cause sleeping problems, teeth grinding, reduced appetite and impaired concentration. Physical symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, numbness, nausea, dizziness and a racing heart. Severe anxiety disorders may cause a person to believe he's suffering from a heart attack. Treatment is usually aimed at preventing or managing these symptoms.

Treatment

• NIMH advises that there are two main treatments for anxiety disorders, which may be combined or used individually: medication and cognitive therapy. There are specific antianxiety drugs called benzodiazepines that are often prescribed for short-term use because patients can build up a resistance to them. Klonopin, Xanax and Ativan are three common benzodiazepine brands. Beta blockers can stop certain physical symptoms, especially when the anxiety crops up only in certain situations. Some antidepressants can also control anxiety disorders, although they may have to be taken for several weeks before their effects kick in.

  Cognitive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches anxiety sufferers how to manage their reactions to certain situations. Therapy usually lasts for about 12 weeks, during which the patient learns practical coping strategies and becomes desensitized to fearful situations. This is usually done individually, but group therapy can also be effective, according to NIMH.

Prevention

• Anxiety can often be prevented by using stress management techniques. It may not develop into a disorder if it's managed effectively. Common methods include regular physical exercise, meditation, breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, according to the Help Guide.