Symptoms of 'anxiety', the disease of the modern age

Pointing out that generalized anxiety disorder is a significant illness that impairs quality of life, Assoc. Prof. Taha Can Tuman said, “It is seen more frequently in middle-aged and elderly individuals, women, those with comorbidities, and those living alone. 

In addition to constant worry and anxiety, the condition must be accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness, tension, easy fatigability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, muscle tension, and irritability,” he stated.

Assoc. Prof. Tuman defined the condition as follows: “Generalized anxiety disorder can be defined as excessive anxiety and worry about many events or activities that lasts for at least 6 months, occurs almost every day, and is difficult for the person to control. Patients worry constantly about daily life events and state that they have felt anxious for a very long time. 

The content of the worries is the same as in healthy individuals; however, the difference is that the worry is very severe and long-lasting, negatively affecting the person's daily functionality and quality of life.

In addition to constant worry and anxiety, it must be accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness or tension, easy fatigability, difficulty with attention and concentration, sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or restless and unrefreshing sleep, muscle tension, and irritability. They often say they have felt constantly anxious for a long time,” he said.

BEWARE OF BACK PAIN, SWEATING, AND DRY MOUTH

Touching upon the physical effects of generalized anxiety disorder, Assoc. Prof. Tuman continued:

“Generalized anxiety disorder is a significant illness that impairs quality of life and seriously affects daily functionality. It is seen more frequently in middle-aged and elderly individuals, women, those with comorbidities, those with a low socioeconomic status, and those living alone. In people with generalized anxiety disorder, physical symptoms such as head, neck, and back pain, muscle tension, hot flashes, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, tremors, dry mouth, hot flashes, gastrointestinal complaints, numbness, and tingling are common. 

The lifetime prevalence of the disease is around 5 percent. Due to long-standing anxiety, a comorbid diagnosis of depression is frequently seen in these patients. 

These patients experience a disproportionate and excessive state of anxiety depending on the situation and circumstances. The topics of worry can be related to many daily situations such as work, economic status, health, family, and children. They are often worried about many things. The fundamental problem is the difficulty in controlling these worries.”

WORRY TAKES CENTER STAGE

Finally, stating that medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can be applied in treatment, Assoc. Prof. Taha Can Tuman said, “In therapy, intolerance to uncertainty is addressed.

Intolerance to uncertainty causes worry to persist for a long time. These patients may have cognitive distortions such as the belief that worry protects the person against dangers, that things will get out of control if they don't worry, or that everything will go well if they do worry. In other words, positive beliefs about worry are addressed. 

These beliefs can trigger worries. Those with generalized anxiety disorder generally perceive the threat as high in the face of negative events, while underestimating their problem-solving and coping skills. They use worrying as a method of coping with problems. 

This situation prevents the individual's problem-solving skills from working healthily. Furthermore, trying to control or suppress thoughts containing worry causes these thoughts to increase even more. Schemas of vulnerability may have developed due to childhood experiences or having an anxious parent. Avoidance and safety-seeking behaviors cause the anxiety to persist. Interventions targeting these components are carried out in therapy,” he concluded.

News Source: İHA