Where the mind is without fear: What is anxiety and how can we beat it?

Source: The post is based on the article “Where the mind is without fear: What is anxiety and how can we beat it?” published in The Hindu on 23rd June 2023

What is the News?

Anxiety disorders are among the most frequently occurring mental health problems in the community today.

What are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a cluster of mental disorders characterized by significant and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and fear such that a person’s social, occupational, and personal functions are significantly impaired.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worrying (which lasts more than six months) and is not restricted to particular circumstances – for example, only when attending a social event.

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected surges of severe anxiety (a.k.a. ‘panic attacks’), which typically peak within 10 minutes and last around 30-45 minutes

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by the intense, persistent fear of being scrutinized or evaluated negatively by others. Patients anticipate ridicule or humiliation and avoid many social situations or endure them with great distress.

Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom an individual is attached

Specific (simple) phobia is characterized by the fear of particular objects, animals or situations. 

About the prevalence of anxiety disorders in India

India’s National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) of 2015-2016 found the prevalence of neurosis and stress-related disorders to be 3.5%. These disorders were twice as common in women as compared to men. 

There is evidence that the developmental period of childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood are periods of high risk for the onset of anxiety disorders.

How to treat anxiety disorders?

Treatment decisions are based on the severity, persistence, and impact of symptoms, as well as patient preferences.

Evidence-based interventions include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Treatment is usually continued for 9-12 months after symptom remission, gradually phased out as recommended.