We hear about anxiety a lot. So what is anxiety? The word can be used two ways, anxiety can be used as a synonym for fear and worry. It’s the feeling you get when you have a test tomorrow and haven’t studied. In addition there are anxiety disorders, which are a class of mental illnesses characterized by abnormal levels of worry.
There are many types of anxiety disorders. Some of the most common are:
- Generalized anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Panic Disorder
- Phobias
It is normal to be worried and fearful sometimes. These feelings help us navigate our way through life and tell us when something bad may happen. Absence of fear can easily lead to death or injury. So what is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder means excessive worry—especially if it is over a long period of time. This can be worry about something specific (such as a phobia), or worry about everything or even nothing in particular. Sleep issues, impaired concentration, fatigue, and restlessness can also be symptoms. Overall, people with anxiety disorders are affected by worry and anxiety to an abnormal degree. They may not be able to function in society due to their excessive anxiety.
There are also symptoms of anxiety in the brain. People with anxiety have low levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA inhibits signaling in the brain, basically it calms everything down. Inhibitors of GABA called anxiolytics are often used to treat anxiety.
So why do these low levels of GABA occur? Well it’s complicated. Anxiety disorders can be triggered by stress. Genetics also plays a large role. Some people are much more susceptible to anxiety than others. Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can also trigger anxiety. In some unusual cases, caffeine can trigger anxiety.
To conclude, anxiety disorders are a treatable illness. The most prevalent symptom is abnormal amounts of fear or worry. Eighteen percent of American adults will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
Anxiety disorders are real, and they are so much more than just feeling worried sometimes. It is important to be aware of these illnesses so we can help our family, friends, neighbors, or even ourselves.
