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Risk Factors of Anxiety Disorders

Some people with anxiety develop compulsions to help them feel that they are in control of the things that worry them. They become obsessed such that they develop the ritual behaviors that define obsessive-compulsive disorder. In some cases the rituals are directly linked to the worries, such as excessively washing their hands to make sure they are completely clean. In other cases, the behaviors follow a more superstitious pattern, always tying one shoe before the other, for example, to ward off something bad that might happen if they don't.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically results from a traumatic experience, such as a serious car accident or rape, or chronic exposure to something extremely stressful, such as military combat. Those with PTSD have such difficulty mentally processing what they've been through, that their minds may subject them to repeated flashbacks of the event and anxiety that the traumatic event may happen again.

The physical symptoms of anxiety can put a lot of stress on the body. Between the increased blood pressure and the heart palpitations, chronic anxiety can put undue pressure on the cardiovascular system. Muscle pain, chronic headaches, and digestive problems may also plague those with anxiety disorders. The constant physical and mental may also be completely exhausting, making it difficult to live a productive life. The collective of anxiety symptoms themselves may even become a subject of new anxieties.

There are also numerous social and emotional problems that can arise from untreated anxiety disorder, depending on the nature of the anxiety. Some people with extreme phobias or social anxiety disorders may find themselves unable to go to work, impacting their employment (offering yet another source of worry). As anxieties spiral out of control, they can also lead to noticeable behavior changes that make social relationships difficult. Anxiety disorders are also closely linked with clinical depression, the two very frequently diagnosed together.

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is thought to be rooted in brain chemistry, particularly in the activity of the amygdalae. The amygdalae (amygdala is the singular) are two almond-shaped structures within the brain, composed of neurons that help process emotional reactions and memory. The amygdalae signal to the hypothalamus, which controls the responses of the nervous system, including the "fight or flight" response. If improperly stimulated, this can induce this response at inappropriate times, causing the symptoms of anxiety. Signaling between brain cells occurs through signaling molecules called neurotransmitters, which, if imbalanced, may result in excessive anxiety. The neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), for example, normally helps keep the signaling to the central nervous system in check. If GABA levels are too low, a person may develop an anxiety disorder.

What triggers these chemical imbalances in the brain is not always clear. Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder are much more common in women than men. OCD and social anxiety disorders affect both sexes with nearly the same frequency, however. Familial studies of anxiety disorders also suggest there may be inherited factors, but this is often difficult to separate from environmental factors and learned behaviors. Approximately 50% of patients that seek help for panic disorders or social anxiety disorders are also battling alcoholism or other dependencies.

Conventional Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Mild anxiety disorders can be treated through counseling, which can help people identify and understand the roots of their anxieties. Relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises and meditation, can also be learned to help work through the symptoms of anxiety as they occur. Lifestyle changes that can help reduce overall levels of stress may also help eliminate the minor worries that are chronically aggravating a person's nervous system.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be beneficial in giving the patient a new approach to their thoughts and behaviors and alleviate anxiety related symptoms. Through this form of psychological therapy, patients are often encouraged to keep detailed diaries of when their symptoms occur, noting all the events or thoughts that seem to trigger them. By identifying these, they can potentially be addressed, and introduce an element of control into the patient's life. Much of anxiety is a response to things that seem uncontrollable or inevitable, so CBT helps to empower patients, given them control over the sources of their anxieties and ultimately the anxiety itself. For specific phobias, for example, a patient may undergo desensitization therapies, where they are exposed to the triggers of their anxieties in a gradual, controlled fashion.

Medications may also be prescribed for anxiety disorders. Most of these drugs are designed to help balance brain chemistry, in hopes of reducing the stress response to non-threatening events or thoughts. They may affect the activities of the neurotransmitters that are signaling the panic response, for example, modulating them to reduce overactivity. Because anxiety and depression often go hand in hand, antidepressants are also prescribed for some patients. Medical treatments are somewhat controversial, as some suggest that they only mask the symptoms and prevent a true resolution of the anxieties. CBT in combination with medication is thought to be more effective long term than drug treatment alone, but some say that even then, the drugs can interfere with the progress of the therapy.

Patients Medical's Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

At Patients Medical, our doctors will first meet with you for a private consultation to assess your anxiety disorder. It is sometimes very difficult to begin to address anxieties, particularly when they are personal, but rest assured that we are ready to listen and help, without judgment. Together, you and your doctor will come up with a personalized care plan that will help you identify the roots of your anxiety, deal with the symptoms (including panic attacks), and ultimately overcome them.

Because healthy body chemistry is also vital to your mental health, we may suggest diet modifications. Reducing alcohol, sugars, and caffeine are instrumental in normalizing your blood pressure, heart rate, and sleeping patterns, all of which can influence your overall stress levels. Regular exercise can also significantly reduce stress and improve blood circulation to the brain. A detoxification program may also be recommended, depending on your case. (Please see our article on Detoxification.)

CBT is a critical part of naturally confronting the sources of your anxiety disorders, so it is highly recommended. We will also teach you relaxation techniques for times when you feel panic attacks coming on. Massage therapies may also be additionally beneficial for better blood circulation and relaxation.

We may also prescribe natural supplements as part of your anxiety treatment program. Cenitol® is a special formula designed to support healthy nervous system function. It contains inositol, a natural modulator of the serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates many functions, including mood, sleep, anger, and aggression. Tran-Q® is a supplement comprised of eleven different herbal extracts, each included for its properties in inducing relaxation and promoting inner harmony.

We are located at: Patients Medical PC, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 900 (Between 42nd & 43rd Street), Manhattan, NYC, New York, NY 10017.