Anxiety Disorder

Patients with anxiety disorder manifest excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events and activities for at least 6 months. They find it difficult to control, and the anxiety is associated with at least three symptoms (see symptoms below). The diagnosis may be modified if combined with specific concerns (e.g., social phobias, separation anxiety, somatization disorder).

Acutely, patients may have panic attacks notable for somatic complaints and signs of adrenergic hyperactivity.

Causes

Anxiety disorders are often debilitating chronic conditions, which can be present from an early age. They are prone to flare up at times of high stress.

Drugs are used to treat these disorders. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants of all main classes (SSRIs, TCAs, MAOIs), and Quetiapine.

These disorders can also be treated with the aid of a good counselor and behavioral therapies such as cognitive therapy.

Symptoms

• Restlessness
• Fatigability
• Difficulty with concentration
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance
• Somatic medical complaints

Signs

• Tachycardia
• Hypertension
• Diaphoresis (It is imperative to rule out concomitant medical illness that can also cause autonomic changes.)

Treatment

Anxiety is among the common, treatable mental disorders. Effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback to control muscle tension. Medication, most commonly anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepine and its derivatives, also may be required in some cases. Some commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications are diazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam. The non-benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication buspirone can be helpful for some individuals.