What is severe anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal emotional response to a stressful situation, and can play a role in helping a person resolve stressful situations. However, when a person feels anxious, frightened, worried or apprehensive on a regular basis, without an apparent cause, this most likely is an anxiety disorder.

There are various types of anxiety disorders; some of the conditions that fall under this category include the following:

Panic disorder: Panic disorder consists of acute episodes of severe anxiety, commonly known as “panic attacks.” These panic attacks are almost always characterized by physical symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or dizziness. Panic attacks can be additionally frightening in that they can mimic serious health problems.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) usually have unwanted, uncontrolled and repetitive thoughts that they find difficult to stop. These are called obsessions. OCD sufferers may also feel compelled to perform certain repetitive rituals, known as compulsions. People with OCD may have only obsessions, only compulsions, or a combination of the two.

Generalized anxiety disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a severe form of anxiety in which a sufferer ruminates and worries excessively about various specific and general situations. GAD tends to consist of worrying that lasts for more than 6 months, has no specific cause, and interferes with daily life and function. People with GAD tend to worry about things that would not usually cause anxiety and tend to fear the “worst case scenario” most of the time. GAD may also take a physical toll, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Post-traumatic stress disorder: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people who have endured a traumatic incident, such as abuse or violence. This form of anxiety may take the form of flashbacks, nightmares or an overall sense of nervousness or fear. In some individuals, PTSD can be very severe, and can interfere with a person’s ability to function.

Phobias: People suffering from phobias have serious, crippling fears of situations or things that are not a source of anxiety for most people. Those with phobias may actively avoid the situations that cause them anxiety, and may therefore be limited in their ability to deal with everyday life.

While there are a variety of factors involved in severe anxiety, scientists have found that anxiety may originate in the amygdala and the hippocampus of the brain. These parts of the brain may serve as storage areas for emotional memories, and may be triggered when the source of a traumatic memory is encountered again. Scientists hope to better understand the specific neurotransmitters involved in anxiety responses, and to develop drugs that can inhibit these responses.

Treatment for severe anxiety usually consists of talk therapy and some type of medication. Currently, antidepressants and a class of drugs called benzodiazepines are commonly used to alleviate anxiety. Support, relaxing activities such as meditation, and avoidance of caffeine and other stimulants are also recommended for those dealing with anxiety.

Reference:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001915/.

http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Inform_Yourself/About_Mental_Illness/By_Illness/Anxiety_Disorders.htm.