You're not alone

Anxiety disorders are relatively common with more than 10 percent of us developing symptoms at some point in our lives. Symptoms can be similar to what you experience during periods of intense stress - which may be part of the reason why two thirds of people with anxiety disorders try to tough it out on their own without seeking help. But when your feelings of anxiety or worry are so strong that your daily life is disrupted, it is no longer a normal response to stress.

Types of anxiety disorders

There are many different types of anxiety disorders and people will often have symptoms of more than one. Common anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): excessive, unrealistic worry and tension about real issues such as finances, illness or family problems. People who have GAD feel anxious on most days over a period of at least six months. Social anxiety disorder/social phobia: excessive worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations; fear of scrutiny from others including a fear of social situations and interactions with other people. Specific phobias: while lots of us are afraid of things like spiders, snakes or heights, when fear from your phobia is so intense that it causes you to avoid common, everyday situations, it can be worth getting help. Panic attacks: sudden feelings of fear and / or terror that strike at any time with no warning. The attacks are out of proportion to the situation at hand and can have nothing to do with what's actually occurring. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): an anxiety disorder characterised by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (called obsessions) and behavioural or mental rituals (called compulsions). People with OCD often think that bad things will happen if they don't perform certain rituals or routines. For example they may have an overwhelming urge to check and re-check that their property is safe or may wash their hands constantly for fear of germs. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after a traumatic event. The person re-experiences the trauma on a regular basis through flashbacks or nightmares. Other key symptoms include avoiding anything related to the event, becoming emotionally detached from people close to them and 'hyper-arousal*.'

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but can include:

Problems sleeping Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet Shortness of breath Palpitations An inability to be still and calm Dry mouth Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet Nausea Muscle tension Dizziness Feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences Nightmares Ritualistic behaviours, such as repeated hand washing or checking whether doors are locked.

What increases your risk?

Family history of mental health problems Stressful events such as job changes, moves, relationship problems or death or loss of loved one can trigger symptoms of anxiety Hormonal problems such as over and under-active thyroid Heart disease Pregnancy and giving birth Certain personality traits such as being a perfectionist, becoming easily flustered, being a 'control freak' Low self esteem.

How anxiety disorders are treated

Recovery from an anxiety disorder is possible with the right treatment and support. The exact treatment approach depends on the type of disorder and the severity, but can include:

Psychological Therapy
Psychological treatments that involve counselling by a trained psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health specialist have been found to be the most effective way of treating anxiety disorders and can help prevent recurrence. They help change thought patterns and reactions to stressful situations. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT teaches people to identify negative or unrealistic thoughts and change them to more constructive or realistic ways of thinking. It is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, but several other more targeted forms of therapy have also been developed to focus on specific disorders. Medication
Psychotherapy is generally the recommended first line of treatment, but medications can sometimes be helpful too. Some antidepressants and anxiety-reducing medications have been shown to be effective. Medications should only be taken under supervision of your doctor, who can tell you about the correct doses and common side effects. Lifestyle changes
Physical activity, getting an adequate night's sleep and eating well are three of the most important things you can do on your own to help control anxiety. Ensure that you eat a well balanced diet including wholegrain cereals, leafy green vegetables and low fat dairy products. Try to minimise caffeine and alcohol which can make your symptoms worse. Smoking can also exacerbate your stress and anxiety. Learning relaxation techniques or meditation may also be helpful.

If you are anxious and have identified with some of the symptoms of anxiety listed in this article, see your GP who can talk about the options available to assist you.

* Definition: 
Hyper-arousal: A state or condition of muscular and emotional tension produced by hormones released during the fight-or-flight reaction.

About the Author:

Monica Davidson writes for Australian health insurance provider ahm. For more about leading a healthy lifestyle, health insurance andhealth cover, visit the website.