A deeper understanding of Anxiety Disorders

  Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition characterised by excessive and persistent worry, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. GAD is extremely prevalent, with up to 20% of adults being affected by anxiety disorders each year.

Individuals living with GAD often experience persistent, unrealistic worry about everyday things, which may manifest in various forms such as gastrointestinal issues, headaches, chronic pain, sleep problems, and heart health issues. The constant battle with excessive anxiety can impact various aspects of one's life, making diagnosis and treatment challenging due to the complexity of mental health problems.

Panic disorder is a mental health condition that involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are characterised by sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort. These panic attacks can lead to various physical symptoms such as; a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and feelings of impending doom or loss of control. The exact causes of panic disorder are not fully understood, but genetics, brain chemistry, and stressful life events are believed to play a role in its development. Individuals experiencing panic disorder may also have anticipatory anxiety about when the next panic attack may occur, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. 

  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting mental health condition characterised by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). People with OCD often experience time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress and interfere with their daily lives. Obsessions are intrusive and repetitive thoughts, urges, or mental images, while compulsions are behaviours or mental acts performed in response to an obsession.

OCD affects approximately 1% to 3% of individuals throughout their lifetime and can lead to notable distress and impairment. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is considered a highly prevalent and chronic condition associated with substantial global disability.

 Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is characterised by excessive fear of negative evaluation by others in social or performance situations. Individuals with SAD may experience intense anxiety when facing social interactions, leading to avoidance of such scenarios and impairment in daily functioning. According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, SAD was formally recognised as a separate phobic disorder in the mid-1960s and has been termed social anxiety disorder to reflect current understanding and diagnostic manuals.

  Phobia-related disorders refer to a category of anxiety disorders characterised by the development of irrational and excessive fears towards specific objects, situations, or activities. These phobias can cause significant distress and impairment in an individual's daily life, leading to avoidance behaviours and heightened anxiety responses. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder, with the most common diagnosis being a specific phobia, although there are variations; such as agoraphobia. Individuals with phobia-related disorders may experience strong physical, mental, and emotional reactions when encountering their feared stimuli, which can impact their occupational, social, and personal functioning.

 Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a condition characterised by excessive fear or anxiety when separated from a close attachment figure or anticipating separation, which is out of proportion to the situation and not developmentally appropriate. It is one of the most common childhood anxiety disorders, and symptoms may manifest as repeated and intense distress, clinginess, or tantrums when thinking about separation or being away from home or loved ones.

  Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that primarily affects children, characterised by their inability to speak and communicate effectively in specific social circumstances; usually school, work, or community settings. Children with SM may communicate effectively in familiar environments and with close family members. The condition can be highly distressing, resulting in difficulty participating in daily activities and social isolation, among other complications. The exact prevalence of selective mutism is unknown, but it is believed to affect less than 1% of children. It is diagnosed typically between the ages of three and six, and if left untreated, it can affect a child's academic and psychosocial functioning