Anxiety: Signs & Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorder | Stanford

Summary

Dr. Paula Tran discusses anxiety's purpose and its evolution into disorders when it controls our lives. She focuses on generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, explaining their symptoms and common onset periods. Treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy and medications like SSRIs, are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and professional help.

Takeaways

• 😌 Anxiety is a natural response meant to prepare us for dangerous situations, like being chased by a predator.
• 🏥 When anxiety becomes constant and interferes with daily activities, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
• 🧠 Excessive worry and constant alertness can disrupt normal brain and body functioning, leading to potential harm.
• 📚 Some anxiety can be beneficial, such as when studying for a test or preparing for a significant event.
• 🏃‍♂️ Physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, and muscle tension can be signs of an anxiety disorder.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Genetic factors and environmental influences can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Medical conditions can sometimes cause anxiety, and treating the underlying medical issue can alleviate anxiety symptoms.
• 🌐 Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worry about various topics, often leading to muscle tension, sleep issues, and irritability.
• 🤔 Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by significant worry about social situations and the fear of judgment by others.
• 💪 Treatments for anxiety disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications like SSRIs, and lifestyle changes.
• 🌟 With appropriate treatment, it is possible to manage anxiety disorders and live comfortably.

Q & A

What is the purpose of anxiety according to the script?

The purpose of anxiety is to prepare us to react to life-threatening situations by putting the body on high alert, increasing heart rate, and making us more alert to escape danger.

What happens when the brain senses danger?

When the brain senses danger, it releases chemicals like epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol, leading to a faster heartbeat, increased breathing, and blood rushing to parts of the body that aid in escaping the threat.

How can constant anxiety affect our brain and body functioning?

Constant anxiety can prevent our brains and bodies from functioning at their best, leading to a disorder that can be harmful in the long term.

What are some normal instances of day-to-day anxiety?

Normal instances of day-to-day anxiety include feeling anxious before asking someone out or while studying for a test, which can be beneficial as it motivates preparation.

What might indicate that anxiety has become a disorder?

Anxiety becoming a disorder might be indicated by constant worry, avoidance of situations, inability to do desired activities, and experiencing many physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, and muscle tension.

What are some physical symptoms that could suggest an anxiety disorder?

Physical symptoms suggesting an anxiety disorder can include stomach aches, headaches, aches and pains, muscle tension, and these symptoms often persist without a clear medical cause.

What are the potential causes of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders can be caused by genetic factors passed down from parents or shaped by environmental factors, including life experiences and personal thoughts about those experiences.

How can certain medical conditions be related to anxiety?

Certain medical conditions can cause anxiety symptoms, and if such a condition is identified and treated, it may also alleviate the anxiety.

What are the two types of anxiety disorders the script focuses on?

The script focuses on generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.

What is generalized anxiety disorder and its typical presentation?

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and disproportionate worry about various topics on most days for at least six months, often including thoughts of loved ones getting injured or natural disasters occurring.

What is social anxiety disorder and when does it most commonly develop?

Social anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about social situations and the judgment of peers, often leading to avoidance of social events. It most commonly develops during middle school to early high school years.

What are some general treatments for anxiety disorders?

General treatments for anxiety disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychiatric medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and lifestyle changes like improving sleep, physical exercise, and building a supportive social circle.

What advice does the script give for seeking help for an anxiety disorder?

The script advises talking to a doctor and seeking professional help if one suspects they or someone they know might have an anxiety disorder. It also provides contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line for those in immediate need.