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A general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying

These disorders affect how we feel and behave

Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling

Severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating, having a serious impact on daily life

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People often experience a general state of worry or fear before confronting something challenging such as examination or interview. These feelings are considered normal. Anxiety is considered a problem when symptoms interfere with a person's ability to sleep or otherwise function.

Generally, anxiety occurs when a reaction is out of proportion with what might be normally expected in a situation

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The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown

As scientists continue their research on mental illness, it is becoming clear that many of these disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain and environmental stress

Anxiety disorders may be caused by problems in the functioning of brain circuits that regulate fear and other emotions

Anxiety disorders may be caused by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse, or a combination of these

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Environmental and External Factors

Trauma from events such as abuse, victimization, or the death of a

loved one

Stress in a personal relationship, marriage, friendship, and divorce

Stress at work

Stress from school

Stress about finances and money

Stress from a natural disaster

Lack of oxygen in high altitude areas7

Medical Factors

Stress from a serious medical illness

Side effects of medication

Symptoms of a medical illness

Lack of oxygen from emphysema,

or pulmonary embolism

(a blood clot in the lung)

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Substance Use and Abuse

Intoxication from an illicit drug, such as cocaine or amphetamines

Withdrawal from an illicit drug, such as heroin, or from prescription drugs like Vicodin, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates

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Genetics

It has been suggested by some researchers that a family history of anxiety increases the likelihood that a person will develop it

That is, some people may have a genetic predisposition that gives them a greater chance of suffering from anxiety disorders

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Brain chemistry

Research has shown that people with abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters in brain are more likely to suffer from GAD

When neurotransmitters are not working properly, the brain's internal communication network breaks down, and the brain may react in an inappropriate way in some situations. This can lead to anxiety

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Medical Factors

Medication

Psychotherapy (a type of counseling)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This is a particular type of psychotherapy in which the person learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings.

Dietary and lifestyle changes

Relaxation therapy12

Ask your doctor before taking any medicine. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms

Reducing caffeine, tea, cola, and chocolate consumption

Exercising regularly

Eating healthy foods

Keeping a regular sleep pattern

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• Seeking counseling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience•Avoiding alcohol, cannabis

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A chronic disorder characterized by excessive, long-lasting anxiety and worry about nonspecific life events, objects, and situations. GAD sufferers often feel afraid and worry about health, money, family, work, or school, Their fear is usually unrealistic or out of proportion with what may be expected in their situation

This disorder involves excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there is little or nothing to provoke the anxiety.

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SYMPTOMS Trembling Diarrhea Headache Backache Heart palpitations Numbness or "pins and needles" in arms, hands or legs Sweating/flushing Restlessness Easily tired Irritability Muscle tension Frequent urination

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CAUSES

Inherited anxiety

Childhood traumas such as abuse or death of a parent, may make you more prone to anxiety when you become older

Any major stress in life may trigger the condition. For example, a family crisis

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PROGNOSIS

Although GAD gets better in some people, in others it tends to come and go

People with GAD are more likely to smoke heavily, drink too much alcohol, and take street drugs. Each of these things may ease anxiety symptoms in the short term

Symptoms may flare up and become worse for a while during periods of major life stresses. For example, if you lose your job or split up with your partner

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TREATMENT

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Counselling

Anxiety management courses

Self-help

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