ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety is a state of emotional arousal.

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Feelings: of tension apprehension, dread and an expectation of not being able to cope

Behavioural responses: such as avoidance of a feared situation, impaired speech, dysfunctional movements and diffi culty completing complex tasks requiring mental eff ort and attention

Physiological responses: including muscle tension, increased heart rate, blood pressure, rapid breathing, dry mouth, nausea and diarrhoea

BASIC COMPONENTS OF ANXIETY

Anxiety is a normal part of our lives. All people feel anxious from time to time and in moderate degrees.

In everyday life, anxiety is an adaptive response.

ANXIETY IN OUR DAY TO DAY LIVES

Anxiety disorders are characterised by chronic feelings of tension, distress, nervousness and apprehension or fear about the future, with a negative effect .

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Can be linked to a single eventThe development or onset of anxiety disorders is not

simply explained by one event or factor alone In most cases, a number of factors combine in

influencing onsetThese factors include Biological and PsychologicalCertain personality traits have been found to be

common among people with anxiety disorders

CAUSES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS

A significant event which has triggered a severe emotional response

Biological factors such as brain chemistry and the presence of certain genes may create a pathway for certain anxiety disorders

Psychological factors such as childhood experience and learning processes

SPECIFIC CAUSES

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

Anti-anxiety medications

TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS

Generalised anxiety disorders

Panic disorder

Phobia

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder

TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS

Females are more likely to experience it than males.

2.5 million individuals, or about 14.4% of the Australian population have experienced an anxiety disorder

In the ABS survey, 32% of females indicated they had an anxiety disorder at sometime in their life compared with 20% of males

OTHER INTERESTING FACTS

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