Anxiety, the Illness of the Modern World

Anxiety is a part of the daily life of modern humans. We may all experience anxiety when facing work or family problems, during school or university exams, or when forced to make important life decisions. However, anxiety disorder is more than just occasional worries and fears. For an individual suffering from this disorder, anxiety does not go away and not only exists in their mind for most hours of the day, but over time, it increases in intensity. This anxiety and fear often slow down the normal routine of life for the affected individual and impact their performance at work, studies, and personal relationships. Symptoms: The National Institute of Mental Health in the United States states that individuals with anxiety disorder often cannot free themselves from distressing thoughts, even when they know their anxiety is excessive. They cannot relax, become easily frightened, and struggle to maintain focus. Many of them find it hard to sleep and wake up multiple times during the night. Physical symptoms of anxiety disorder can include dizziness, headaches, muscle tension, muscle pain, difficulty eating, body tremors, sudden muscle contractions, excessive sweating, nausea, frequent urination, shortness of breath, and hot flashes. Anxiety disorder often develops slowly in individuals and increases over time. Symptoms may improve or worsen over time, but stress often exacerbates it. When anxiety disorder is not yet severe, sufferers can be socially or occupationally active, but those with severe anxiety often struggle to perform even the smallest daily tasks. Cause: Although the main cause of anxiety disorder is still unclear, genetic factors are recognized as one of the primary contributors to this illness. Stress and environmental factors are other contributors to this disorder. Researchers believe that specific parts of the brain are responsible for emotions and states such as fear and anxiety. They hope that scientific advancements in understanding the brain can be effective in treating anxiety. Who is at risk for anxiety disorder? Just over three percent of individuals over 18 years old in the United States are at risk for anxiety disorder. The average age of those affected by this disorder is 31 years. Women are twice as likely as men to develop anxiety disorder. Typically, individuals who have been experiencing persistent anxiety for more than six months are advised to consult a doctor. Treatment: Anxiety disorder is usually treated through psychotherapy and medication, or a combination of both, or at least improved. A specific type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients how to think in situations that make them anxious or how to free themselves from constant fear. Specific anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are prescribed by doctors for patients with severe anxiety, although long-term use can have side effects for the patient.