Anxiety Disorder

• Generalised anxiety disorder: all-pervasive anxiety about day-to-day situations
• Separation anxiety disorder: fear of being separated from one's home or loved ones.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): anxiety caused after a traumatic event.
• Social anxiety disorder: In social situations, there is a great fear of being judged by others.
• Panic disorder: A panic attack is caused by an episode of sudden, severe anxiety associated with fear of impending doom.
• Phobia: A strong fear of a specific object or situation.

The symptoms one experiences are determined by the type of anxiety disorder one has. Generally, anxiety episodes are characterised by the following symptoms:

• Panic, fear and numbness
• Sleep problems
• Feelings of panic, doom or danger
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea  
• Cold and Sweaty hands
• Tremors 
• Nightmares
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts

Anxiety disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Negative life events or trauma: This refers to stressful events that someone has witnessed or experienced. Childhood abuse and neglect, the death of a loved one or being attacked or witnessing violence are all common triggers for anxiety disorders. 
• Withdrawal or misuse of drugs: Anxiety disorder is frequently associated with alcohol and substance abuse.
• Genetics: Anxiety disorders can be passed down through families. 
• Psychological factors like temperament
• Biological factors like imbalance of certain neurochemicals or under or over activity of certain parts of the brain

Current anxiety research is delving deeper into the parts of the brain that are involved in anxiety. The exact cause of anxiety is unknown to researchers. However, a combination of factors is likely at work. Genetic and environmental factors, as well as brain chemistry, are among them. 

Anxiety disorders, like any other medical condition, necessitate treatment. Once the patient has been diagnosed with anxiety, she or he can talk to their doctor about the treatment options. There are effective treatments available to manage the symptoms of an anxiety disorder.

Anti-anxiety medications like various antidepressants, beta-blockers or benzodiazepines can be used in treatment. They work to balance brain chemistry, prevent anxiety attacks and help in treating the disorder's most severe symptoms. 

In addition, psychotherapy is a type of counselling that teaches patients how their emotions affect their behaviour. It is also called 'talk therapy' because the specialist listens to and talks to the person about their thoughts and feelings and suggests ways to understand and manage their anxiety symptoms.

Certain things are more likely to make a person suffer from an anxiety disorder. They are known as risk factors. Some of the risk factors for anxiety disorders are:

●  Childhood sexual abuse: 

Childhood emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect has been linked to anxiety disorders later in life.

●  Negative Life Events/Trauma:

Living through a traumatic event like losing a parent in early childhood increases the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in panic attacks.

●  Stress due to an illness:

When someone has a health condition or a serious illness, they may be concerned about their treatment and the future.

●  Substance abuse:

Alcohol and other drugs can predispose a person to develop an anxiety disorder.

●  Genetic factors:

A family history of anxiety disorders also increases the risk.

Anxiety disorders are not entirely preventable but taking certain steps can help reduce the chances or help manage the symptoms better.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle like exercising daily, eating a balanced diet, practising yoga, breathing relaxation, meditation, taking a good night's sleep and avoiding substance use can help.
• Getting professional help as early as possible can help reduce the possible worsening of symptoms.

Untreated anxiety disorders can worsen over time and lead to negative mental and physical consequences such as:

• Depression
• Insomnia 
• Digestive or bowel issues
• Chronic pain and headaches
• Productivity issues at school and work
• Lower quality of life
• Worsening of blood pressure, lung and heart disorders.
• Substance use 
• Elevated suicide risk

Living with an anxiety disorder can be difficult and frustrating. Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination can be used to treat anxiety disorders. With the right care and treatment, one can learn to manage symptoms and thrive.

So consult a psychiatrist or mental health professional and seek help.

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5. How to deal with Preoperative Anxiety