Anxiety Disorders GABI WALLEN

What is Anxiety?  Anxiety can be described as an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it (“Definition of Anxiety”, n.d.).  Anxiety is the unpleasant emotion that arises from the anticipation of something where fear is a specific reaction to a specific event (McNamara, 2003).  This abnormality can affect anyone, young or old (Dandoy, 1990).

Origins One cause to anxiety is genetics. Genetics plays a key role in our personalities and emotional vulnerabilities but can be altered based off of environmental variables (Daitch, 2011).  An immediate environment that can disturb people is while they are in the womb; when the mother involves herself with stress the baby feels it as well.  “the mother maintains an excessive amount of stress hormones that will very literally flood the baby sending it into chronic stress” (Daitch, 2011). As a result, in future situations the child will be more sensitive.  Early childhood can also affect a person’s anxiety  Modeling  Attachment at a young age aids a child into trusting others All these factors that lead to anxiety happens at a young age and slowly increase as time goes on if the environment does not change or gets worse. “A study of 800 children aged years showed that almost 9% met the definition for one or more anxiety disorders” (McNamara, 2003).

The Brain and Hormones Anxiety does not only come from environmental variables, for some, people are just born with it.  Serotonin is a chemical in charge with regulating mood balance  GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric acid) is responsible for calming nervous activity  Norepinephrine is in charge with vigilant concentration Too much or too little of these chemicals will cause anxiety and depression; too much or too little of any hormone can effect anxiety differently.

Anxiety Disorders  generalized anxiety disorder  panic disorder  specific phobias  social anxiety disorder  obsessive-compulsive disorder disorder/

Symptoms

Family & Friends?  Symptoms that people develop with anxiety can put a strain on their interpersonal relationships.  Anxious people can be more irritable and tense  Costs family money to send their loved one to get treatment

Society?  40 million adults in the US (18 & up)  Costs the U.S. $42 billion a year, about one-third of the country’s $148 billion total mental health bill  $22.84 billion of the $42 billion goes to the people with anxiety disorders seeking relief for symptoms similar to a physical illness Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA:

Treatments Begins with Psychoeducation  Therapist will then suggest different treatment options such as…  Cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy  Hypnosis:  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing  Emotional Freedom Technique:  Medication (antidepressants) in combination with therapy  Just staying active and healthy; exercise and diet

Why did I do this?  I have suffered from anxiety all my life  Anxiety affected my friends lives as well

References