Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Background of the study

Experiencing anxiety or Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) to be specific is one

of many problems in human being. People with anxiety disorders have intense, excessive,

and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve

repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear that reach a peak within

minutes (panic attacks). (www.ncbi.nih.gov)

Adolescence is considered a stressful period due to physical, psychological,

sexual changes, and is also influenced by maturity. It is a crucial phase in life of a human

and the presence of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and stress at this stage of life

is a matter of concern. (www.ncbi.nih.gov)

For some people, anxiety may be linked to an underlying health issue. In some cases,

anxiety signs and symptoms are the first indicators of medical illness. (education.cu-

portland.edu)

Several areas of research show that the majority of adults suffering from anxiety

indicate that their symptoms began in childhood and adolescence. (www.mayoclinic.org)

The other factors may include: a family history of anxiety, recent or prolonged

exposure to stressful situations including personal or family illnesses, excessive use of

caffeine or tobacco which can make existing anxiety worse and childhood abuse.

(www.philstar.com)

The researchers believe that one of the factors of having GAD is a family history

of anxiety. Studies show that the risk of anxiety tends to run in families. This may be due

to family dynamics, such as the failure to learn effective coping skills, overprotective

behaviors, abuse and violence. Studies have shown that when anxiety develops before

age 20, close relatives are more likely to have anxiety as well. Experts believe the genes

involved may modify your emotional responses in a way that might lead to anxiety.

(www.ncbi.nih.gov)

If two people have a similar mix of genes, whether they develop anxiety or not,

could depend on their experiences or environmental risk factors.

(https//www.intechopen.com)

Some of the environmental factors that can trigger anxiety include abuse of all

kinds, traumatic events, stressful life events, difficult family relationships, lack of strong

social support system, low-income status, and poor overall health. Research has also

suggested that when anxiety develops despite an environment that has none or few of

these factors; it’s probably due to underlying genetic risk. (www.philstar.com)

The researchers believe that the prevalence of anxiety is significantly higher

among females. GAD is greater in women about 6% and 3% in men. Women experience

markedly greater prevalence of anxiety disorders than men, including GAD and specific

phobias. In a study of over 20,000 individuals in the United States, the Collaborative
Psychiatric Epidemiology Studies (CPES) found higher rates of lifetime diagnosis for

nearly all anxiety disorders among women. (www.mayoclinic.org)

The last factor of having generalized anxiety disorder is smoking and excessive

use of caffeine. It can promote anxiety. Research suggests that heavy cigarette smoking

during adolescence increases the risk for generalized anxiety disorder in early adulthood.

Many psychiatrists recommend that their anxiety patients eliminate, or at least minimize

their consumption of coffee, energy drinks, caffeinated sodas and caffeinated beverages

and food. (www.philstar.com)

This study, aims to let people know about the symptoms and risk factors of GAD,

so that they could help an individual who is suffering from anxiety. Anxiety leads to suicidal

thoughts and it is a big factor for an individual to commit suicide. Remember that a simple

“Are you okay?” can save a life.