Anxiety what is it? A fact sheet produced by the Mental Health Information Service Anxiety is a natural reaction that everyone experiences - part of our fight or flight response - which helps us to be alert to potentially dangerous or fearful situations such as crossing a busy road or approaching a big black spider in the bathtub! However for some people anxiety prevents them from living their life in the way that they would like. Problem anxiety can take various forms panic attacks that occur out of the blue; incredible fear about situations or objects that are not actually dangerous or usually scary; uncontrollable concerns and worry about everything and anything; or compulsive repetition of rituals in order to try to reduce anxiety e.g. washing hands repeatedly to get rid of germs. What Are Some of The Symptoms of Anxiety? People who may have an anxiety disorder often experience common symptoms of fear and panic fear vs. anxiety - Anxiety has physical and emotional symptoms similar to those of fear. Fear, however, is always based on, or triggered by something. A person with an anxiety disorder feels the fear but cannot necessarily name the reason for feeling anxious. panic attacks - During a panic attack, fear may be so intense that you feel like you will lose control, have a heart attack, or go crazy. Panic attacks can occur with different anxiety disorders. In addition to fear and panic a person with an anxiety disorder may experience symptoms including: feeling irritable or uneasy excessively worrying about things appearing to others as being highly strung having difficulty relaxing, concentrating and sleeping developing elaborate plans to avoid certain places, situations or objects physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, muscle spasm, sweating, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea, with no physical cause Page 1 of 5 Page 1 of 5
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders? Some of the main types of anxiety disorders are: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - marked by unrealistic and excessive worry accompanied by constant and often unnecessary concern about anything or everything Agoraphobia fear of being in a situation where escape is impossible or where a panic attack may occur Specific Phobia intense fear of particular objects or situations Social Phobia fear of being judged negatively by other people Panic Disorder - repeated panic attacks including all of the physical symptoms of panic along with a fear that the panic attack itself will lead to a total loss of control, or even death Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Persistent and unwanted thoughts which constantly invade and disrupt a person s life. People may end up performing the same action or processes over and over in an attempt to ease their anxiety about these thoughts Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) feelings of uncontrollable fear or flashbacks after a traumatic experience, resulting in a person feeling unable to function in their daily life What Are the Causes of Anxiety? Anxiety can be a result of an interaction of a number of factors including: Environmental factors - some people become anxious when faced with certain situations, life events, people or places. When these triggers are gone, the anxiety eases or disappears altogether. Biological factors - an imbalance of the chemicals in the brain that regulate feelings and physical reactions can alter someone s thoughts, emotions or behaviour and result in anxiety. Genetic factors - It is still unclear whether anxiety disorders can be inherited, but research shows that anxiety disorders run in some families. They may take on a different form for each family member. Personality - some personality types are more prone to anxiety. A person who often reacts in a very emotional way and who is easily upset may experience anxious thoughts and display anxious behaviours. Page 2 of 5 Page 2 of 5
What Help is Available? Anxiety can be a big deal and you don t have to work it out on your own. There are some very successful treatments and strategies available for people with an anxiety disorder. These include: Counselling and therapy, in particular cognitive-behavioural therapy Medication Self-help support groups and self-treatment programs Alternative therapies For more detailed information on what help is available please call the Mental Health Association s Information Service on 1300 974 991. What Can I Do To Help Myself? Find out as much as you can about anxiety by accessing the resources and information listed below See your local GP or have an assessment conducted by a mental health professional If treatment is required, discuss your options with your health professional and decide on a program that is right for you Don t let misconceptions about mental illness or the worry of anxiety stop you from seeking help. Remember that everyone experiences feelings of anxiety at times. It can often be very calming to talk to a friend, relative or counsellor so that these feelings don t end up getting beyond your control. Look after your mind as well as your body by adopting a healthier lifestyle including regular exercise, a healthy eating plan, regular sleeping patterns and learning to reduce your stress levels and relaxing. This is different for everybody. You may watch TV or read a book, go for a walk, see a movie or have a long bubble bath. Others find slow breathing or remedial massage beneficial. Please note, the use of alcohol, cannabis and other recreational drugs is discouraged for anyone suffering anxiety. Rather than assisting with long term recovery, these substances can cause a worsening of symptoms. Further Reading The Mental Health Information Service sells the following books: About Panic and Phobias by Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI) The Panic Book by Neil Phillips Living with Fear: Understanding and Coping with Anxiety by Isaac M Marks MD Page 3 of 5 Page 3 of 5
Or from bookshops: Anxiety Disorders: The Caregivers Information for Support People, Family and Friends, by Kenneth V. Strong, Select Books, 2003, ISBN: 1590790561 Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, by Edmund J. Bourne, New Harbinger Publications, 2005.ISBN: 1572244135 Overcoming Anxiety: From Short-Time Fixes to Long-Term Recovery, by Reneau Peuifoy, Holt, Henry & Company, 1997, ISBN: 0805047891 Where to Get Help Contact the Mental Health Association s Information Service on 1300 794 991 or visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au There are a number of specialist anxiety clinics in major hospitals and universities. Call the Mental Health Information Service for details. Anxiety Disorders Alliance, tel 1300 794 992 or visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au/ada For mental health information and assistance in a language other than English contact the Transcultural Mental Health Centre on 1800 648 911 or (02) 9840 3800 Speak to your local doctor, community health centre or mental health team Medicare Rebate for Psychologists In November 2006, Medicare introduced a rebate for psychologists. This rebate covers up to 12 individual sessions or 12 group therapy sessions per year, and in exceptional circumstances, extra sessions may be approved. Psychologists use various strategies and therapies to reduce distress and to enhance and promote emotional wellbeing. They can assist people who are having difficulty managing their emotions, thinking and behaviour. You must be a referred by a GP or psychiatrist, who may recommend a particular psychologist, or to a psychologist of your choice. If you need to locate a psychologist, you can contact the Australian Psychological Society and ask for details of appropriate psychologists in your area. The psychologist must be registered and have a Medicare Provider Number. The cost and rebate from Medicare can vary depending on consultation length and fee charged. If the psychologist bulk bills then there will be no extra cost. What is the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists? Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who have gone on to train further and specialise in the treatment of mental illness. They can prescribe medication. Psychologists have trained at university for several years but are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. They provide various services including assessment and psychological testing and various types of psychotherapy and/or counselling. For further information: The Australian Psychological Society: Page 4 of 5 Page 4 of 5
www.psychology.org.au Tel: 1800 333 497 Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/content/coag-mental-overview.htm Tel: 1800 020 103 Disclaimer The information provided is to be used for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Information may be reproduced with an acknowledgement to the Mental Health Association NSW. This and other fact sheets are available for download from www.mentalhealth.asn.au. This fact sheet was last updated in December 2006. Mental Health Information Service Mental Health Association NSW Inc Level 5 80 William Street East Sydney NSW 2011 Phone: 1300 794 991 Fax: (02) 9339 6066 Email: info@mentalhealth.asn.au Web: www.mentalhealth.asn.au Page 5 of 5 Page 5 of 5