10 anxiety facts
What are 10 facts about anxiety?
1. Anxiety disorders (with depression) – are the most common mental illnesses in the UK. We all have stress and fear but most can can control them. Anxiety is defined as ‘unreasonable fear’. It is more than ‘normal stress’.
2. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms – such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. But many people with an anxiety disorder also have a co-occurring disorder or physical illness, which can make their symptoms worse and recovery more difficult. So it is essential to be treated for both disorders.
3. Women are twice as likely as men – to develop an anxiety disorder.
4. People with anxiety – are 3-5x as likely to go to a doctor. Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are often caused by anxiety (or depression).
5. Anxiety disorders can be treated – with medication, therapy, or a combination of both. It is possible to manage and overcome anxiety disorders with proper treatment and support. It often gets better with time.
There are various types, that we will now go through.
6. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – is a chronic condition that involves excessive and uncontrollable worrying about everyday events.
7. Panic Disorder – is characterised by sudden, unexpected panic attacks that can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
8. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) – is an intense fear of social situations and can cause people to avoid social situations altogether.
9. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – involves unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that are followed by repetitive behaviour or mental acts (compulsions).
10. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviour.
Summary
We have described 10 anxiety facts. We hope it has helped you.
Other resource
Medically unexplained physical symptoms
Last Reviewed on 25 June 2024