By Maxine Rickman – Provisional Psychologist

Anxiety is a normal part of life. We all experience moments of stress before an important exam, a job interview, or a significant life event. However, when worry and fear become persistent, excessive and begin to interfere with daily life, this could signal an anxiety disorder.

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

An anxiety disorder is more than just occasional nervousness. It is a condition which is characterized by intense prolonged rumination and feelings of worry, fear or apprehension that are difficult to control. These feelings can be triggered by specific situations or can arise without an obvious cause.

There are a number of different forms of anxiety disorder, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic, excessive worry about everyday events and activities
• Panic Disorder: Sudden intense episodes of fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath and light-headedness
• Social Anxiety Disorder: A fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations
• Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders of flying
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviours (compulsions) which aim to reduce anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety and distress following exposure to a traumatic event

Signs and Symptoms

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

• Persistent feelings of nervousness, restlessness, or tension
• Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
• Difficulty concentration or controlling worry
• Sleep disturbance
• Gastro-intestinal problems such as stomach ache or nausea

Anxiety can present differently depending on age and developmental stage:

• Children: Young children with anxiety may become clingy, experience stomach aches or have difficulty sleeping. They may struggle with separation anxiety or express intense fears such as fear of the dark, or fear of being left alone.
• Teens: Adolescents with anxiety often experience social anxiety, academic stress and fear of failure. They may struggle with self-esteem and/or they may exhibit perfectionistic tendences. They may withdraw from or avoid activities.

• Adults: Anxiety in adulthood often manifests as excessive worry about things such as work, finances, relationships and health. Some adults with anxiety may develop coping mechanisms which reinforce their anxiety, such as avoidance.

The good news is that anxiety disorders can be treated effectively. Some of the effective treatment approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.
• Exposure Therapy: Particularly effective for phobias and OCD, this treatment gradually exposes individuals to feared situations in a controlled manner.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce symptoms.
• Medication: In some cases, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed by a doctor.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques can significantly improve symptoms.

When to Seek Help:

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or work, seeking professional help is important. A psychologist or mental health professional can provide assessment, diagnosis, and personalized treatment strategies to help individuals regain control over their anxiety.

At Spencer Health, we offer compassionate and evidence-based support for individuals struggling with anxiety. To learn more, or to book an appointment, please reach out to our team: enquiries@spencerhealth.com.au