Anxiety

While a presentation at work or an upcoming final exam can strike fear in the hearts of many people, these short-lived episodes of distress are different than having an anxiety disorder. People who have an anxiety disorder have more intense feelings of panic and worry that interfere with their daily lives, even to the point of social isolation. According to the Anxiety Disorders Centre of Canada, about 12% of all Canadians experience anxiety in any given year.

“Anxiety is a common mental health problem in which individuals may feel overcome by worry that disrupts their activities, or feel a constant sense of tension, or even at a more extreme point have episodes of panic and fear,” says Dr. Dan Bilsker, a psychologist at Vancouver General Hospital and a consultant to a mental health services research group (CARMHA) at Simon Fraser University.

Anxiety Disorders Include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Excessive worry about everyday problems, such as minor health issues or disagreements with friends or family members. A range of physical symptoms may be present as well (nausea, headaches, sweating, muscle aches, and trembling, for example).

Panic Disorder – People with panic disorder suffer from panic attacks, which often occur without warning. They may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, and overwhelming feelings of terror or impending doom.

Specific and Social Phobias – An example of a specific phobia is an extreme fear of flying. People with a specific phobia may understand that their fears are illogical, but are unable to control them, and will often avoid exposure to the object or situation.

People who have social phobia are extremely self-conscious about their social performance, whether it's meeting new people or speaking in public. They may avoid group situations or presentations entirely.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – People with OCD can't control unwanted thoughts or actions, such as checking a lock an exact number of times, or having disturbing sexual thoughts.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD is an anxiety disorder that occurs as a result of a traumatic experience, such as a rape or war. The person may have flashbacks, nightmares, depression and episodes of anger.

While the social stigma around anxiety disorders has lessened, many people are still reluctant to seek help. However, anxiety is very treatable, both in the short term and long term.

“The options for anxiety treatment are either anti-anxiety medications, which are commonly given by family physicians or psychiatrists,” says Dr. Bilsker. “These anxiety treatments are generally useful for the short term, but the problem in the longer term is that people can become physiologically or physically dependent on them. They can also cause people to feel sedated, so they're really a short-term solution.”

For long-term anxiety treatment, cognitive-behavioural therapy can be useful. Find out more about cognitive-behavioural therapy in relation to anxiety disorders.

For more information about anxiety and anxiety disorders check out these links:

• Anxiety Disorders - Canadian Mental Health Association
• Anxiety disorders: An information guide - Centre for Addication and Mental Health
• Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada