ANXIETY

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people across various age groups. In understanding anxiety, it can be helpful to use a metaphor of a thermostat, akin to how one might control temperature in a home.

The “Worry-Meter” 

The “worry-meter” illustrates how individuals have different baseline levels of concern, worry or anxiety, akin to having a thermostat set to a particular temperature. This analogy reflects the variability in how individuals experience and manage worry and anxiety. It seems that for many people, their "worry meter" is preset to a certain temperature.

The Comfortable 72 Degree Setting

Most people  have their natural “worry-meter” set comfortably at 72 degrees. These individuals exhibit a balanced level of concern for the events and experiences of life. They innately have sufficient concern to motivate productive behaviors, like completing homework or avoiding physical danger, without falling into excessive worry or anxiety.

Their level of concern for not getting a bad grade helps them do their homework. Their fear of injury helps to keep them safe, like taking measures to avoid taking a fall from a dangerous height. Some level of concern, worry or anxiety is normal and needed for everyone to live a safe and productive life. This group of people generally represents the baseline of normative human experience, where normal levels of worry or concern act as a positive functional adaptive mechanism in achieving desired results and avoiding danger.

The Low 55 Degree setting: An Under-active “Worry-Meter”

Other people operate with a “worry-meter” set at a low 55 degrees. These individuals exhibit insufficient levels of concern and worry, which can lead to risky behaviors and a lack of due diligence in tasks requiring their attention. They may under-appreciate dangers and can find themselves in hazardous situations due to underestimated risk. These people might benefit from an increase in their worry level to maintain safer and more cautious behaviors. Refusing to wear a seatbelt might be one example of unacceptable risky behavior.

The Uncomfortable 104 Degree Hot Setting: An Overactive “Worry-Meter”

Those who have their natural “worry-meter” set at an uncomfortably hot 104 degrees tend to experience excessive worry, often feeling overwhelmed by routine daily events, all the while trying to predict, navigate, avoid, influence and control potential future outcomes. This heightened state of anxiety is representative of those with anxiety disorders, who face persistent and often irrational fears that significantly diminish their quality of life. These individuals may continually run scenarios in their minds constantly calculating what to do and say to control the outcome of events in their lives. Many times they can be so burdened with worry and running scenarios in their minds that they will not participate fully in life, instead withdrawing from activities and conversations that they really want to engage in.

One example of excessive anxiety or worry in young children is selective mutism. This condition is a refusal to speak in certain social situations where there is an expectation for speaking, such as at school or in public settings, despite speaking comfortably in other settings, such as at home with close family members. This could be called “stranger danger” or “stranger anxiety.” This condition is not due to a lack of knowledge or ability to speak but rather is tied to anxiety that inhibits verbal communication in specific contexts. Kids with selective mutism can be so nervous and worried that they won’t speak a word. 

Characteristics of Anxiety Disorders

There is a broad spectrum of anxiety levels that are experienced among different individuals in our population. While every person experiences anxiety differently, those individuals who are naturally set with excessively high levels of anxiety often endure significant challenges in their lives. Understanding and addressing these anxiety conditions through appropriate treatment can lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

Anxiety disorders manifest in various forms, but they often share common characteristics, such as excessive worry, physical symptoms (like increased heart rate or sweating), and avoidance behaviors. 

Common Anxiety disorders with distinct features:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of daily life
• Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating

Panic Disorder

• Sudden, recurrent panic attacks featuring intense fear or discomfort
• Physical symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, tachycardia or shortness of breath

Social Anxiety Disorder

• Intense fear of social interactions or performance situations
• Avoidance of social scenarios or enduring them with significant distress

Specific Phobias

• Overwhelming fear of a specific object or situation (e.g., heights, animals, flying)
• Avoidance of the phobic trigger or enduring it with severe distress

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Obsessions: Recurring, intrusive thoughts that cause distress
• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety associated with obsessions

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Persistent flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety following exposure to traumatic events
• Avoidance of reminders and hyper-arousal
  

Common Symptoms of Excessive Anxiety:

• Intense and frequent worry or fear
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Irritability or mood swings
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares
• Physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling
• Avoidance behaviors related to specific triggers or situations
  

Causes and Risk Factors:

The precise cause of anxiety disorders is not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to the development of these conditions, such as:

1. Biological factors: Genetics, that is, you are born that way. Imbalances in brain chemistry, and certain medical conditions can make an individual more prone to anxiety disorders.
2. Environmental factors: Traumatic events, excessive stress, post traumatic stress, adverse childhood events, or ongoing stressful situations can increase the risk. Bullying in school is also a risk factor.
3. Personality traits: People who are naturally more shy, sensitive, or perfectionistic may be more susceptible.
   

Treatment Options

Managing an anxiety disorder typically involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, psychotherapy, and medication:

1. Relaxation techniques

• Deep breathing, taking slow controlled breaths to help the body relax. By focusing on the rhythm of inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth, individuals can direct their attention away from stressors, triggering the body's natural relaxation response. Relax and breath.
• Take a walk in nature in God's creation. Being in nature has an amazing way of relaxing anxious thoughts.
• Cuddle with a pet. Petting a dog or cat can help with anxious thoughts.

2. Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change distorted thought patterns.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to the feared object or context to help diminish the anxiety response.

3.  Medications

• Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs): Commonly prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms.
• Benzodiazepines: Used for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms and panic attacks.
• Beta-blockers: Often utilized to control physical symptoms of anxiety.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques mentioned above.
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep and nutrition
• Support networks: Engaging in support groups, such a youth groups at church, connecting with loved ones, and seeking support from mental health professionals are needed for individuals with anxiety disorders.

If your child suffers from anxiety, please make an appointment with one of our physicians to discuss the situation. Treatment is available.