March 2006
Anxiety - Normal or Not?
Although most of us have experienced relatively mild, brief episodes of anxiety - such as those caused by stressful events - anxiety disorders are chronic, can interfere with living a normal life, can last a lifetime without treatment and may get worse over time.
Anxiety is hardwired into our brains. It's part of the "fight or flight" response that prepares us to act quickly in the face of danger. It's also a normal response to situations of uncertainty, trouble or being unprepared. However, if common, everyday events bring on severe and persistent anxiety or panic that interferes with life, you may have an anxiety disorder.
About 19 million people suffer from anxiety disorders. Women are affected twice as often as men. Symptoms can occur at any age, but often will surface during a person's teenage years or 20s.
There are several forms of anxiety disorders. Each has its own distinct features, but all share common characteristics, such as extreme fear or worry that can interfere with a normal lifestyle. The forms are:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects about 4 million adult Americans and is much more severe than the normal anxiety people experience day to day. It's chronic and fills one's day with exaggerated worry and tension, even though there's little or nothing to provoke it. Having this disorder means always anticipating disaster and often worrying excessively about health, money, family or work. Sometimes, though, the source of the worry is difficult to pinpoint. Simply the thought of getting through the day provokes anxiety. Worries are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, irritability or sweating. |
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder affects about 5.3 million adult Americans and involves overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. People with this disorder have persistent, intense and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others, and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. Symptoms can be limited to only one type of situation - such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations - or can be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people. |
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder affects about 2.4 million adult Americans and involves feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly without warning. Since sufferers can't predict when an attack will occur, many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. Symptoms include feeling weak, faint or dizzy, or experiencing a sense of impending doom. |
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects about 3.3 million adult Americans and involves uncontrollable anxious thoughts or rituals. Sufferers may be plagued by persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or by the urgent need to engage in certain rituals. The disturbing thoughts or images are called obsessions, and the rituals that are performed to try to prevent or get rid of them are called compulsions. Individuals may wash their hands over and over because of an obsession with dirt or germs, or they may be so filled with doubt that they need to check things repeatedly. In most cases, persons with OCD recognize that what they're doing is senseless, but they can't stop. |
Diagnosis and Treatment
Current research supports the idea that anxiety disorders, as well as other types of brain
disorders, are complex and probably result from a combination of genetic, behavioral,
developmental and other factors. Investigation focuses both on finding a cure, as well
as preventing anxiety disorders from occurring at all.Depression often accompanies anxiety disorders and, when it does, needs to be treated as well. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep, low energy and difficulty concentrating.
Currently two forms of treatment are available: medication and certain types of psychotherapy. Before treatment can begin, however, a careful diagnostic evaluation must be done to not only pinpoint the type of anxiety disorder an individual may have but also to discover possible co-existing physical conditions that could be causing symptoms. Often evaluation involves both an individual’s personal physician as well as a mental health professional.
Options for Help
- If you believe that you suffer from an anxiety disorder, one option is to discuss your symptoms with your personal physician. He or she can both rule out physical causes and refer you to appropriate mental health treatment.
- As a Kellogg retiree, you can call Value Options for assistance: 1-800-997-4841.
The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any questions about managing your health and/or seeking medical care, please contact a medical professional.