Anxiety refers to the body and mind reaction to dangerous, stressful or unusual circumstances. The reaction is characterized by feelings of tension, worry, and increased blood pressure. Anxiety is normal, however, severe anxiety that interfere with an individual’s daily function may lead to a medical condition known as anxiety disorder. The general symptoms of anxiety disorder include restlessness, difficulty in concentration, insomnia, increased irritability, headaches, dizziness, sweating amongst others.
Laboratory and Diagnosis tests
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed through a history and mental state exam which meets the criteria for diagnosis of anxiety disorders as per DSM-5 ( Robichaud et al., 2019 ). However, tests can be carried out to rule out physical causes of the symptoms. These tests include: - thyroid function tests, complete blood count, urine drug screen, urinalysis and echocardiogram.
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Treatment plan
Pharmacological treatment
Pharmacological management of anxiety disorders is mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). The use of SSRIs in management of anxiety disorders is based on the effect of the medication on serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with mood regulation and is considered imbalanced in patients with anxiety disorders ( Dold et al., 2017). SSRIs therefore decrease the reabsorption of serotonin in nerve cells, stabilizing the levels. Stabilization of serotonin decreases anxiety and regulates an individual’s mood. TCAs also inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, hence stabilizing their levels in the brain. The result is a balance in the neurotransmitters, reducing symptoms of anxiety and stabilizing a person’s mood.
Non-pharmacologic management of anxiety
Anxiety can also be managed using cognitive and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy involves helping the patient understand how false and automatic thoughts cause anxiety and in turn the behaviors manifested ( Merino et al., 2016). A therapist helps the patient develop new ways of thinking and behaving to avoid anxiety disorders. Behavioral therapy involves sequentially exposing the patient to stimuli that provokes anxiety, causing the patients to be desensitized to the stimuli ( Dold et al., 2017). In addition, the patient can practice techniques to help them relax when faced with anxiety-provoking situations.
References
Dold, M., Bartova, L., Souery, D., Mendlewicz, J., Serretti, A., Porcelli, S., ... & Kasper, S. (2017). Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with major depressive disorder and comorbid anxiety disorders-results from a European multicenter study. Journal of psychiatric research , 91 , 1-13.
Merino, H., Senra, C., & Ferreiro, F. (2016). Are worry and rumination specific pathways linking neuroticism and symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder?. PloS one , 11 (5), e0156169.
Robichaud, M., Koerner, N., & Dugas, M. J. (2019). Cognitive behavioral treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: From science to practice . Routledge.
