Research on Anxiety Disorders/Depression

1. What are anxiety disorders/depression?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can be beneficial in some situations. It can
alert us to dangers and help us prepare and pay attention. Anxiety disorders differ from
normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness, and involve excessive fear or anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults
at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective
treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.

2. Who gets anxiety disorders/depression and how common are they?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million
adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Anxiety
disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

3. Describe some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders/depression.

 Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
 Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
 Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
 Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex
 Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
 Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
 Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
 Low appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain
 Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
 Restlessness, irritability
 Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches,
digestive disorders and pain for which no other cause can be diagnosed.

4. List and briefly explain some of the main types of anxiety disorders/depression.

 Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety,

exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.

 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by

recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often
performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away.
Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not
performing them markedly increases anxiety.
  Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated

episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain,
heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.

 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure
to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.
Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-
caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

 Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by

overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social
phobia can be limited to only one type of situation - such as a fear of speaking in formal or
informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others - or, in its most severe form, may
be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other
people.

5. What type of treatment is available for people experiencing anxiety

disorders/depression?

Treatment

Treatment decisions are based on how significantly generalized anxiety disorder is affecting
your ability to function in your daily life. The two main treatments for generalized anxiety
disorder are psychotherapy and medications. You may benefit most from a combination of the
two. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you.

Psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a
therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective
form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder.
Generally a short-term treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you specific
skills to directly manage your worries and help you gradually return to the activities you've
avoided because of anxiety. Through this process, your symptoms improve as you build on your
initial success.

Medications

Several types of medications are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including those
below. Talk with your doctor about benefits, risks and possible side effects.

 Antidepressants. Antidepressants, including medications in the selective serotonin

reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
classes, are the first line medication treatments. Examples of antidepressants used to
treat generalized anxiety disorder include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta),
venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva). Your doctor also may recommend
other antidepressants.

 Buspirone. An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be used on an ongoing basis.

As with most antidepressants, it typically takes up to several weeks to become fully
effective.

 Benzodiazepines. In limited circumstances, your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine

for relief of anxiety symptoms. These sedatives are generally used only for relieving acute
anxiety on a short-term basis. Because they can be habit-forming, these medications
aren't a good choice if you have or had problems with alcohol or drug abuse.

6. What other kinds of support can help a person with anxiety disorders/depression
recover?
 Listen to them
 Help them find support
 Support them in continuing therapy
 Take care of yourself
 Learn about depression on your own
 Offer to help with everyday tasks
 Extend loose invitations
 Be patient
 Stay in touch
 Know the different forms depression can take