Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response. Some stress can be good. It keeps us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. Too much stress, on the other hand, can make us sick. Stress that continues without relief can lead to distress, a negative stress reaction. Distress can disturb the body's equilibrium, leading to physical symptoms such as insomnia, sexual dysfunction, chest pain, headaches, stomach trouble or high blood pressure. Emotional problems like depression and anxiety can also result from distress.
Financial, relationship and family problems can all trigger anxiety and sadness, so we consider these normal feelings. These feelings deviate from normal when they intensify, impair everyday functioning and affect the quality of life.
For people with an anxiety disorder, overwhelming worry and fear is constant, even when nothing is wrong. They worry about everything and cannot relax and have obsessive thoughts, feelings of panic, trouble sleeping, heart palpitations and cold or sweaty hands. The distress controls their lives.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States with an estimated 13 percent of Americans affected. It also costs more than $42 billion dollars annually. Repeated use of health-care services account for about half of these costs. People with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illness. People with anxiety disorders are five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder than those who don't suffer from anxiety.
Fortunately, anxiety disorders are treatable. But, before treatment begins, a doctor must conduct a careful diagnostic interview and examination. If the doctor diagnoses a patient with an anxiety disorder, the doctor must also diagnosis the type of disorder as well as any co-existing conditions, such as depression or substance abuse, since people frequently misuse substances or engage in damaging behaviors to relieve stress. These may include food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, sex, shopping or the Internet. Rather than relieve stress, these substances and compulsive behaviors tend to keep the body in a stressed state, causing more problems. The person becomes trapped in a vicious cycle.
Treatment of an anxiety disorder may involve medication, specific types of psychotherapy or both. Medication will not cure anxiety disorders, but it can keep people under control while the person receives psychotherapy. The principle medications used are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and Beta-blockers, which can control some of the physical symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also very useful in treating anxiety disorders. The cognitive therapy helps people change their thinking patterns that support their fears, and the behavioral therapy helps people change the way they react to anxiety-provoking situations.
If an anxiety disorder may be affecting you or a loved one, consult with your physician. He may be able to initiate therapy or refer you to an experienced mental health professional.
Richard J. Wilbur, M.D. is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Wilbur practices at Safecare Medical Center’s Hollywood office, located at 4050 D Sheridan St., Hollywood, FL 33021. For an appointment with Dr. Wilbur, contact his office at 954-989-7441 or online at www.safecare.com.
