Anxiety
Anxiety is characterised by persistent, excessive worry. Every year, around 14% of all adult Australians are affected by an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can take a number of forms. Common to all of these is an anxiety so distressing, it can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out or take pleasure in day-to-day life.
A person may experience more than one anxiety disorder. Some people may also experience depression with the anxiety, or have problems with alcohol or drug abuse.
A person with anxiety will often feel distressed a lot of the time for no apparent reason. An episode can be so severe it is immobilising. The person might have:
- Persistent, excessive or unrealistic worries
- Compulsions and obsessions which they can't control
- Intense excessive worry about social situations
- Panic attacks
- An intense, irrational fear of everyday objects and situations
Other symptoms of anxiety disorders may include:
- A pounding heart
- Difficulty breathing
- Upset stomach
- Muscle tension
- Sweating or choking
- Feeling faint or shaky
The causes of anxiety are not fully understood. It is likely that a particular anxiety disorder is a result of several interacting factors and is affected by stressful life events and personality traits.
Psychological therapy is an effective treatment for most people affected by anxiety issues.
If you would like to speak to someone or organise an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists, please contact us today.