Worry and anxiety present daily for everyone. An individual's reaction to worrisome or anxiety-provoking situations dictates whether the level of distress remains appropriate or signals a more serious behavioral health issue. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), roughly 18% of adults have anxiety disorders.
Benefits
Worrying and feeling anxious both represent normal reactions when faced with potential failure or loss, according to Edmund Bourne, PhD, who has more than 20 years of experience specializing in treating anxiety and is the author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. J. Paul Caldwell, MD, family practitioner for more than 25 years and author of "Anxiety Disorders: Everything You Need to Know," points out the protective and adaptive features of anxiety. Anxiety and worry allow people to anticipate negative outcomes and plan ahead to avoid negative outcomes.
Types
Stressors that can cause normal anxiety and worry may include an exam the next day, a presentation at a business meeting or an upcoming interview, according to Dr. Caldwell. When the stressor has resolved, someone with a normal anxiety response will return to his normal daily life.
A person with intense anxiety and worry persisting for months (versus ending after the stressful experience resolves) likely has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). According to Dr. Caldwell, the excessive and unending worry over basic life events and challenges becomes disabling.
Symptoms
According to Dr. Bourne, someone with GAD experiences worry and persistent anxiety more days than not over a six-month period. The worry must focus on two or more stressful life circumstances--finances, health, relationships or school, for example. Additionally, the person must experience at least three of the following six symptoms: restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, irritability, becoming easily fatigued and difficulty sleeping.
Causes
Dr. Bourne suggests cumulative stress as a cause for the development of anxiety disorders. Other causes of anxiety and worry, according to Dr. Caldwell, include medical conditions, such as a hormonal imbalance because of hyperthyroidism, and use of medications or drugs (caffeine, stimulant-type medications).
Treatment
A number of treatment options exist to address both normal levels of anxiety and GAD. To deal with any level of anxiety and worry, Dr. Bourne suggests self-care techniques such as exercising, eating healthy, breathing skills and relaxation, as well as monitoring self-talk, mistaken beliefs and level of assertiveness. Sometimes these care techniques fall short, especially if a person is dealing with GAD.
According to the NIMH, a chemical imbalance in the brain can cause GAD. A prescription for antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or beta blockers can help brain chemicals return to appropriate levels. Some of these medications can take one to two months to reach full effect, and only select medical professionals (family practitioner, psychiatrist or nurse practitioner) can provide the prescription.
In addition to, or instead of, medication, people with GAD can try therapy with a licensed social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook"; Edmund J. Bourne; 2000
- "Anxiety Disorders Everything You Need to Know"; J. Paul Caldwell, MD; 2005
