What is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a type of mental health problem that is very common and can affect people of any age group or social class.
What are its common symptoms?
Symptoms include palpitations, fear, restlessness, feeling like you can’t breathe, feeling like you’re going to die, a sensation of pressure in the chest, dry mouth, and dizziness.
But aren’t these symptoms similar to heart problems or a heart attack?
Yes, that’s correct. Therefore, if you experience such problems, it’s essential to first undergo an ECG, Echo, CPK-MB, and Troponin I tests, and consult a cardiologist. However, if no heart problems are found but you still experience heart-related symptoms, you should consider the possibility of a mental health issue.
Why should someone see a mental health professional for chest pain?
It’s important to understand that not all people with mental illnesses are “mad.” Many individuals with mental health conditions, like you and me, continue with their daily lives, but they start experiencing some mental health issues. Anxiety disorder is one of those problems.
So, mental health problems can also cause physical symptoms?
Yes, from fear, palpitations, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, to body aches, headaches, numbness, and burning sensations – these can all be symptoms of mental health problems.
Are there different types of anxiety disorders?
Yes, there are several types, including:
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Phobia (Social Phobia)
Panic Disorder
In this disorder, individuals experience heart palpitations, fear, a feeling of not being able to breathe, and the sensation that they are having a heart attack. Many also feel a heavy chest, pain in the heart, and think they are going to die. After some time, they feel fine again, as if nothing happened.
This all sounds like a heart problem, though?
Yes, that’s why you should first consult a cardiologist. If they confirm there’s no heart problem, then you should seek help from a psychiatrist.
What about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
In PTSD, an individual is haunted by a specific event. For example, after an earthquake, people might fear another earthquake even months later. They might feel their body shaking or trembling, and be afraid to go to upper floors. They might also constantly worry about what they would do if another earthquake happened, and the thoughts and images of the original earthquake can keep recurring.
Can PTSD affect someone even a year after an earthquake?
Yes, it can. For some, it can persist for up to five years after an earthquake. Individuals who have experienced an earthquake might have a vulnerable mental state, which means that even minor problems later in life can cause them to break down and develop mental illness, even if nothing happened to them during the event itself.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) like?
In GAD, individuals experience restlessness, inability to stay in one place, and a constant feeling of not knowing what to do or where to go. They also feel agitated and their mind is never at peace, regardless of what they are doing. If these problems persist for at least three to six months, it is essential to consult a doctor.
Can you also explain Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
In OCD, obsession refers to recurring intrusive thoughts. The individual knows these thoughts are not right but cannot stop them. When they try to stop these thoughts, they become restless, agitated, and fearful. Then comes compulsion, which is an action the person performs to alleviate the obsessive thought. For example, a person might feel everything is dirty, try to convince themselves it’s not, but fail, and then wash their hands 8-10 times or take 3-4 showers a day. This is obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Phobia is a common term; can you explain that too?
Phobia is the fear of a specific thing, such as a fear of dogs, heights, enclosed spaces, or experiencing fear without reason in crowds, feeling difficulty breathing. Similarly, fear can arise when neighbors are talking, or in the dark, or when walking alone. These problems fall under phobia. Panic disorder can also be linked to this problem.
Note:
You might find people with these problems in your home or neighborhood. Sometimes, when we don’t fully understand the problem and say things like, “You shouldn’t take medication for mental issues, you should be strong on your own,” the patient may hesitate to seek help from a doctor, and the problem can worsen. Therefore, if they can be taken to the hospital in time, medication might not even be necessary in many cases. So, let’s share more information about this problem with as many people as possible.
