Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, and Treatments of Mental Illness

Rector, N. A., et al. (2010). Anxiety Disorders: An Information Guide. http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzUyMjI4Nl9fQU41?sid=c6151f0f-5a27-42a7-a0d4-1f975b7f2286@sdc-v-sessmgr01&vid=0&format=EB 

Several etiological factors like distressing life experiences, genetic disorders, and neurobiological dysfunctions are the major causes of anxiety disorders. For example, neurobiological disorders result in disturbed neurotransmitter systems that cause abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex. When this happens, the individual will experience symptoms like mood fluctuations, suicidal thoughts, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Additionally, dysphagia and abnormal discomfort are equally common. Various drugs have been recommended to treat anxiety disorders. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been used to lessen agitation and nervousness. Similarly, tricyclic antidepressants have been used to treat intensified anxiety, anticholinergic, and sedation effects. 

Hand, Carol. (2014). Essential Health. Living with Anxiety Disorders. Living with Health Challenges. ABDO Publishing Company. Minnesota. http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzY1NzQ0NV9fQU41?sid=c6151f0f-5a27-42a7-a0d4-1f975b7f2286@sdc-v-sessmgr01&vid=0&format=EB 

Anxiety disorders are associated with edgy, dread feelings, nervousness, panic, and emotional distress. However, these symptoms can be broadly classified as physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations of anxiety disorders. The physical symptoms include restlessness, racing heart, and shortness of breath. Under serious conditions, the individual may experience chest pain, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Conversely, behavioral symptoms include indulging in drug abuse to cope with psychological stress while cognitive challenges involve underestimating your personal capabilities to deal with situations. Medications are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. For instance, they are used in combination with CBT to control the various signals in the brain. Both therapy and medication can be combined instead of just treatment alone. Specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective in suppressing both anxiety and depression. 

Bruijnen, C., et al. (2019). Social anxiety disorder and childhood trauma in the context of anxiety (behavioral inhibition), impulsivity (behavioral activation) and quality of life. South African Journal of Psychiatry. 2078-6786, (Print) 1608-9685. http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=b11401ba-99bc-4813-af99-e1b33007b24b%40sessionmgr4008 

Anxiety involves quite unpleasant emotions to real-life encounters and experiences. Anxiety disorders are associated with nagging, worries about irrational thoughts, and avoidance of social situations. Additionally, recurring flashbacks about past traumatic events is a common symptom. Others include insomnia, muscle pain, upset stomach and sweating associated with constant headaches. Anxiety disorders are treated by the use of medications like serotonin. The substance is used to boost mood, appetite, and sleep; hence, relieving the individual of anxiety and depression. Again, serotonin reuptake inhibitors can as well be used to improve the efficiency of the medication. For example, drugs like Prozac, Paxil, and even Zoloft can be used safely and effectively on different individual. 

Tompkins, M. A. (2013). Anxiety and Avoidance: A Universal Treatment for Anxiety, Panic, and Fear. New Harbinger Publications Inc. Oakland. http://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzYxOTY0NF9fQU41?sid=c693549e-7cf6-4d25-9109-369a4b09a976@pdc-v-sessmgr03&vid=0&format=EB 

Physicians and nurse practitioners prescribe anxiety medications that ensure safe and effective care in conjunction with psychotherapy. Three types of antidepressant medications have been used to treat anxiety disorders. For instance, serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors are used to reabsorb the uptake of serotonin at synapses. Once the synapses increase, the anxious responses will reduce significantly. For instance, Fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine are typical medications for anxiety disorders. Again, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are effective antidepressants that reabsorb the chemicals at synapses. Finally, tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil, Anafranil, and Norpramin are used to lessen the symptoms of anxiety and panic. Similarly, benzodiazepine medications are effective in managing both anxiety and panic symptoms. The most widely used examples include chlordiazepoxide and diazepam. 

Kolar, D. & Kolar, M. (2016). Critical Review of Available Treatment Options for Treatment Refractory Depression and Anxiety – Clinical and Ethical Dilemmas. Med Pregl; LXIX (5-6): 171-176. http://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=b1393747-fa30-419f-9ac9-5527863a55e4%40pdc-v-sessmgr03 

Synthetic cannabinoids are effective in treating Posttraumatic stress disorders. It boosts the mood and lessens the effects and symptoms of anxiety disorders. The cannabinoid receptors, CB (1) and CB (2), usually bind proteins are used to decrease both physical and psychological symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Ketamine is also used in treating resistant anxiety disorders due to the non-selective nature of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor that acts as an anesthetic induction agent. Therefore, it acts as a dissociative agent that relieves individuals of hallucinations and acts as a psychotomimetic medicine. 

References  

Bruijnen, C., et al. (2019). Social anxiety disorder and childhood trauma in the context of anxiety (behavioral inhibition), impulsivity (behavioral activation) and quality of life. South African Journal of Psychiatry. 2078-6786, (Print) 1608-9685. http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=b11401ba-99bc-4813-af99-e1b33007b24b%40sessionmgr4008?sid=c6151f0f-5a27-42a7-a0d4-1f975b7f2286@sdc-v-sessmgr01&vid=0&format=EB 

Hand, Carol. (2014). Essential Health. Living with Anxiety Disorders. Living with Health Challenges. ABDO Publishing Company. Minnesota. http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzY1NzQ0NV9fQU41 

Kolar, D. & Kolar, M. (2016). Critical Review of Available Treatment Options for Treatment Refractory Depression and Anxiety – Clinical and Ethical Dilemmas. Med Pregl; LXIX (5-6): 171-176. http://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=b1393747-fa30-419f-9ac9-5527863a55e4%40pdc-v-sessmgr03 

Rector, N. A., et al. (2010). Anxiety Disorders: An Information Guide. http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzUyMjI4Nl9fQU41?sid=c6151f0f-5a27-42a7-a0d4-1f975b7f2286@sdc-v-sessmgr01&vid=0&format=EB 

Tompkins, M. A. (2013). Anxiety and Avoidance: A Universal Treatment for Anxiety, Panic, and Fear. New Harbinger Publications Inc. Oakland. http://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzYxOTY0NF9fQU41?sid=c693549e-7cf6-4d25-9109-369a4b09a976@pdc-v-sessmgr03&vid=0&format=EB