The term "anxiety disorders" describes a number of specific conditions, each of which is characterised by high levels of arousal, discomfort and fear, sometimes including uncontrollable panic attacks. Anxiety is a continual and often irrational feeling of discomfort and tension, usually without any justifiable cause.
Anxiety disorders take a variety of forms. People with Generalised Anxiety Disorder suffer from extreme worry about future events. A person suffering from Agoraphobia feels anxious about being in places or situations from which escape may be difficult (such as a crowded movie theatre) or in which help is not available should the person suffer a panic attack. A person suffering from Social Phobia feels anxious when they have to confront situations where they may be under the scrutiny of others - it is an extreme form of shyness. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterised by recurrent obsessions (intrusive, repetitive thoughts) or compulsions (urges to perform certain, often ritualised actions, such as checking one turned the stove off, or washing one's hands).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder are also considered anxiety disorders. These disorders occur after experiencing a highly stressful or life threatening event (e.g., a car crash, or witnessing a violent crime). Sufferers experience a continuing anxiety about the traumatic event the person has experienced and fear about the possibility of the event recurring.
Although anxiety disorders are the most common form of psychological disorder in the community (about 1 in 10 people suffer from one), it is often difficult to determine the exact cause. Physical and biochemical causes may be involved in some anxiety disorders (e.g. Panic Disorder with/without Agoraphobia: Specific Phobia; and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). Equally important may be the person's general level of anxiety and the beliefs and attitudes the person may hold about themselves and how the world should be. In each case, the individual needs to discuss their situation with their medical practitioner or counsellor to work out the most effective treatment plan.
Panic attacks occur in many anxiety disorders. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense terror which may occur in certain situations or for no apparent reason. Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, choking and nausea. The person may feel they are going to die.
The exact cause of panic attacks is not known but they are most likely a chemical response in the brain to stressful events or thinking about stressful or threatening events. It is now believed that changes in the level of serotonin in the brain may contribute to the onset of panic attacks. Serotonin is a "neurotransmitter" - a chemical which helps nerves to communicate with one another. Low levels of this chemical in the brain are also linked to depression.
People feel their anxiety in a variety of ways and its effects will also vary from person to person. Therefore treatment requires careful individual assessment.
Treatment for anxiety may include medication, education and psychological therapy.
People suffering from panic attacks as part of an anxiety disorder may be helped with tranquillisers (especially benzodiazepines) or anti-depressants. These are usually only prescribed in specific cases to control unpleasant symptoms such as panic attacks.
There are a range of psychological therapies for anxiety, aimed at helping the person control their arousal levels and manage their panic attacks. Education and counselling are useful in helping the person understand the nature of their condition and to be assured they are not "going mad". Counselling can also assist the person to stop drug/alcohol use, resolve life stresses and develop better coping skills overall. Education and counselling help the person reduce stress, resolve conflicts, manage their life more effectively, develop new ways of thinking about themselves and the world and develop new ways of enjoying activities.
Part of treatment may involve helping the person avoid family conflicts and developing ways of using their family as a means of support and encouragement.
Your regular medical practitioner.
Your local community health centre.
National Depression Awareness Campaign Mental Health Foundation of Australia Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited270 Church Street,Richmond 3121Tel: (03) 9427 0407
ARAFEMI - Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally ill.615 Camberwell Road,CAMBERWELL 3124Tel: (03) 9889 1777Fax: (03) 98892878
Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria)270 Church Street,Richmond 3121Tel: (03) 9427 0406
AICAFMHA - Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental HealthTel: (08) 8132 0786Email: secretary@aicfmha.net.au
