What is an Anxiety Disorder?
by Erna Dennis, LPCC
While many philosophers and theologians have obsessively contemplated the mutability or the immutability of the future, it is not normal for the rest of us to spend too much time and energy worried about what is in store for us tomorrow without a balanced view of the past and a sound understanding of the present. In therapeutic terms, an obsession with the future could be an anxiety disorder.
In order to diagnose anxiety disorders, we first need to define what an anxiety disorder is and the characteristics of anxiety attacks. Secondly, what causes anxiety and what populations are most susceptible to the disorder; and, finally, I hope to explain the benefits and limitations of the treatments available for clients who suffer from this disorder.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety is characterized by a set of behaviors such as looking worried and anxious, fidgeting, and experiencing elevated heart rate and muscle tension. In moderate amounts, anxiety can be good for us. We might do better on a test or giving a speech or in general get more things done.
However, too much anxiety can paralyze us and make us fail the test or make it impossible for us to deliver a speech. Anxiety is a future-oriented mood state.
Fear, on the other hand, is an immediate reaction to danger and necessary because it delivers the autonomic nervous system responses to help us flee or fight. Many people experience intense fear when there is nothing to be afraid of. This is called a panic attack.
There are three types of panic attacks: (1) situationally bound (afraid of high places, or driving over bridges, etc.), (2) unexpected panic attacks (never knowing when and where they will occur, and (3) situationally predisposed if, for example, a person would be more apt to have a panic attack in a large mall.
What causes Anxiety and Panic?
We inherit a tendency to be tense and uptight; possibly many genes make the contribution. Because of this vulnerability, social and environmental stresses can precipitate anxiety.
In childhood we may have learned that events are not always under our control and probably observed family members dealing with day-to-day difficulties. Stressful life events such as marriage, divorce, difficulties at work, death of a loved one can push us into an anxiety state. Once this anxiety starts, it tends to feed on itself so that it might continue even after the stressor has passed.
Anxiety in all its forms is ever prevalent in the elderly. They develop anxiety because of failing health or other losses and changes. Their increasing lack of control sets the stage for anxiety.
Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
Tranquilizers were frequently prescribed for anxiety and tension, but they carry some risks and seem to be no more successful long-term than placebo treatments. The risks are reduction in mental alertness on the job, at school, or while driving. In addition, tranquilizers produce both psychological and physical dependence.
Cognitive behavioral treatment has been successful by helping people focus on what is threatening to them. People with anxiety have a tendency to avoid "feelings."
The therapy confronts the anxiety-provoking images and worrisome thoughts head-on. Relaxation and breathing retraining have also helped. As many as 70% of clients undergoing these treatments have improved substantially.
The important message here is, if you or someone you know suffers from anxiety in its various forms, urge them to get help to restore them to a more peaceful existence. Because as Teilhard envisioned in The Future of Man, "Peace...is certain: it is only a matter of time."
Reprinted with permission from the Summer, 1999 edition of PPImprints, the Journal of The Professional Pastoral-Counseling Institute, Inc. To be notified when PPImprints is published, please register.
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