Teagan Fea
Dip (Clinical Hypnotherapy), Cert (Timeline Hypnotherapy), Cert (RTT Therapy Practitioner), Professional Member of Hypnosis NZ, Senior Facilitator (Mindfulness Works for Organisations)
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Most people experience anxiety intensely physically. Anxiety however is a broad term that encompasses various disorders, such as:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Below is a brief overview of each disorder.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterised by uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life such as work, health or relationship challenges occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.
In my experience as a therapist, most people who experience anxiety present with Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
Panic Disorder
Some clients also have panic attacks. This is known as a Panic Disorder.
Panic disorders involve unexpected panic attacks
These situations involve sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort.
Symptoms of a panic attack include palpitations, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, dizziness and a fear of losing control or dying.[1]
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterised by intense fear of social situations or situations where performing is required. There is a fear of being rejected or judged by others.
This fear can lead to avoidance of social interactions or severe distress when these situations occur.
Symptoms include blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea and difficulty communicating.[2]
Specific Phobias
Some people have phobias. Phobias are intense irrational fears of specific objects or situations such as heights, animals, or flying. Exposure to the feared object or situation provokes immediate anxiety.
An example of a phobia is the fear of flying, which is often related to the fear of not being in control.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder is an excessive fear about being separated from a loved one. Separation Anxiety is often created in childhood where a child has the experience of being abandoned by their primary caregiver.
Symptoms include distress when anticipating or experiencing separation, worry about losing the attachment figure or being abandoned.[3]
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a less common anxiety disorder. OCD includes obsessions, persistent and unwanted thoughts and compulsions (repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety such as checking that the door is locked multiple times).[4]
I once worked with a woman who had to clean her floor with a tooth-brush every day before she could leave the house.
If she was interrupted during this task she would start again. This is an example of severe OCD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is experienced as prolonged anxiety symptoms following a traumatic event. Symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, hyperarousal, dissociation and negative changes in mood and cognition.[5]
PTSD can often happen due to significant traumas
PTSD can arise from Big T trauma events (mentioned in Part 1) including violence, sexual abuse, mental abuse accidents, natural events and experiencing war.
How is Anxiety Diagnosed?
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment process that considers various factors including symptoms, duration, severity and impact on a person’s daily functioning.
Clinical Interview
A thorough interview conducted by a mental health professional is essential for anxiety diagnosis, where detailed information about the individual’s symptoms, medical history, family history and any potential stressors or traumatic experiences are collected.
Symptom Assessment
A trained health professional evaluates the presence and severity of anxiety symptoms using assessment tools, such as the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7).[6]
Differential Diagnosis
It is essential to differentiate anxiety disorders from other mental health conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as depression, Bipolar Disorder, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Medical Evaluation
Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and cardiovascular issues, can mimic symptoms of anxiety.
A thorough medical evaluation may include physical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging studies to identify or rule out underlying medical causes that may be causing the anxiety symptoms.
A comprehensive evaluation that considers the individual’s symptoms, medical history, functional impairment and cultural background is also essential for an accurate diagnosis of anxiety disorders.
Collaboration between the individual, their healthcare provider and mental health professionals is crucial in developing an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
How is Anxiety Treated?
Anxiety disorders can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Fortunately, various treatments are available to help manage and alleviate anxiety symptoms. The following treatments are available.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapy to treat anxiety disorders. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs while developing coping strategies to manage anxiety symptoms effectively.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle choices including regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting screen time, adequate sleep and stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation or yoga, can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall well-being.
RELATED — Psychological benefits of Yoga: what does science and research say (Part 1)
Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, avoiding recreational drugs, establishing healthy boundaries and engaging in enjoyable activities can help manage stress and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Prioritising self-care and seeking social support are also essential components of lifestyle changes for anxiety management.
Medication
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, or beta-blockers may be prescribed to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
These medications help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain and reduce the physiological response to stress.[7]
Psychotherapy
Various forms of psychotherapy can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy provides support for individuals to explore and address underlying issues contributing to their anxiety.
Hypnotherapy
As a hypnotherapist, I have seen amazing results with reducing many anxiety disorders with hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy involves inducing a relaxed state of consciousness to access the subconscious mind, where we hold beliefs about ourselves, others and life.
In this state we explore and address underlying beliefs or traumas contributing to anxiety. It can help individuals develop new neurological pathways and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
RELATED — Introduction to Hypnotherapy: Mind-Body Intervention Technique
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an excellent tool for helping people to regulate the thoughts and emotions that lead to an experience of anxiety.
Mindfulness practices such as meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings, reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional regulation skills.
Anxiety Worldwide
Anxiety is on the rise.
Anxiety disorders affect individuals in both developed and developing countries. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders globally, with an estimated 264 million people affected.[8]
In New Zealand, anxiety disorders are also a significant public health concern, with approximately 20.1% of men and 28.3% of women experiencing an anxiety disorder by the end of 2022. This is nearly 1 in 4 New Zealanders.[9]
In summary, anxiety doesn’t have to be a life sentence, help is available. It is important, however, to understand the causes and symptoms of anxiety for effective management and support for individuals experiencing anxiety disorders.
Through increased awareness, early intervention and access to mental health resources, it’s possible to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve one’s overall sense of well-being.
Related Questions
1. Can meditation help with anxiety?
Yes, meditation can help with anxiety.
Practices like mindfulness meditation reduce stress by promoting relaxation, improving emotional regulation and decreasing rumination, leading to lower anxiety levels over time.
RELATED — Introduction to Meditation: Ancient medicine for mind and body healing
2. What is high functioning anxiety?
High functioning anxiety refers to individuals who experience anxiety, but manage to perform daily tasks effectively.
They appear successful outwardly while they struggle with stress, worry and overthinking internally.
RELATED — Understanding Stress: The Silent Killer
3. How do you deal with paralysing anxiety?
To deal with paralysing anxiety:
- Seek professional therapy
- See a hypnotherapist
- Practice deep breathing
- Challenge negative thoughts
- Practice mindfulness or meditation techniques
- Engage in physical activity.
If you would like to read the first part of this article, see Introduction to Anxiety: Know what you are dealing with (Part 1).
References
(1) Langmaid S. Anxiety and Panic, (2024). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021
(2) National Institute of Mental Health, Social Anxiety Disorder, More Than Just Shyness (2022). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness
(3) Feriante J, Torrico TJ, Bernstein B. Separation Anxiety Disorder (2023).
(4) Franco F. Stressful Life Events and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (Date unknown). Retrieved from https://www.findapsychologist.org/stressful-life-events-and-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd-by-dr-fabiana-franco/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uK0BhC0ARIsANQtgGOfL_Bztv9E1wl3LgWPT765G-ruecvrze0fJ0Gb_QlwfA0K0FPCO0MaAjVvEALw_wcB
(5) Parks J. How Do Our Brains Respond to Trauma? (2020). Retrieved from https://arcmonroe.org/how-do-our-brains-respond-to-trauma/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uK0BhC0ARIsANQtgGPRUFJLY1frnQRCCNHPFOZfGVdhbAcjUujhIvVjvdYpl_wACYGjrM4aApFzEALw_wcB
(6) Johnson SU, Ulvenes PG, Øktedalen T, Hoffart A. Psychometric Properties of the General Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) Scale in a Heterogeneous Psychiatric Sample. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691128/
(7) Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, Thom RP Larkin K, Buono FD, Dosifescu DV. Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. (2020) Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7786299/
(8) World Health Organisation. Depression and other common mental disorders. Global Health Estimates. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/2017-05/WHO-MSD-MER-2017.2-eng.pdf
(9) Figure NZ, New Zealand Adults Diagnosed with Mood or Anxiety Disorders (2023). Retrieved from https://figure.nz/chart/LJu9XAwSqV5RqBhh-PofI10RLC4yQwZaZ
