Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to something that threatens health or well being. Throughout life, most of us are subjected to many stressful situations that provoke anxiety. However, if the degree of anxiety is inappropriate to its cause, is exaggerated beyond reason or is brought on by unlikely events, the response is usually considered abnormal and may require treatment.

Appropriate anxiety is chiefly characterized by worry. For example, if your job is threatened, you might be constantly thinking of where else you might find employment and be planning steps for obtaining a new position. In this situation, the anxiety serves a useful purpose: It causes enough stress to send you in search of a consturctive solution to the problem.

If, however, the dread of job loss is not realistic, then the anxiety breeds more anxiety. This type of anxiousness that has no identifiable cause very often impairs the individual's ability to function.

Anxiety States

In most people, anxiety is a temporary feeling. In some, however, anxious feelings and thoughts are almost constantly present in what is called an anxiety state. This chronic state occasionally peaks in a "panic attack", which can occur without any apparent reason at any time. The physical symptoms of fear increase to such a frightening extent that the victim may, in fact, think that he or she is suffering a heart attack. Hyperventilation, or overbreathing, is common during panic attacks and may lead to light-headedness and even to fainting.

Treatment of Anxiety

There are a number of approaches to consider in treating anxiety. In some instances, practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, or taking a warm bath or exercising may help in overcoming mild anxiety. If hyperventilation is a problem, breathing into a paper bag will help overcome the overbreathing and feelings of light-headedness.

Medication may also be recommended to help the patient cope more effectively with anxiety, particularly the unwarranted anxiety that has no apparent cause. Most commonly, the medication prescribed is one of the tranquilizing drugs. These drugs, like any medication, should be taken only according to your doctor's insturctions. They should not be taken in combination with alcohol, and your doctor should be aware of any other medication you may be taking.

Behavior modification therapy, including desensitization, is often helpful in treating phobic anxiety states. For example, an agoraphobic undergoing desensitization would be helped, in a series of graduated steps, to encounter the crowds and public spaces that cause anxiety. A number of other therapies, including psychotherapy, are used in treating anxiety. Your doctor is the best judge of which ones are most appropriate for your type of anxiety.