Anxiety Problems? There's plenty
of help at hand!
Living busy lives in these uncertain times is undoubtedly challenging. It’s no wonder so many of us find ourselves worrying more, sleeping less and feeling increasingly anxious. Some degree of stress and anxiety is a natural part of living, but when these feelings begin to threaten your ability to cope with everyday life, it’s time to seek help.
And these days, there’s plenty of help at hand.
By Dr. Heather McLean, PH.D., C.Psych.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a medically defined illness that is more than just a little squeamishness about flying or some understandable anxiety prior to a big exam. Rather, it is characterized by persistent, irrational and overwhelming fear or worry that interferes with daily living. Although there are several types of anxiety disorders, all are characterized by fear, anxious physical arousal, irrational thoughts and avoidance.
How common is it?
In Ontario, 12% of adults will suffer from an anxiety disorder in any one-year period. One in four will suffer from an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. One in eight children will suffer from an anxiety disorder, anxiety being the number one mental health problem for children.
What types are there?
Anxiety disorders fall into the following categories:
• Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Specific Phobia
• Social Anxiety Disorder
Is anxiety disorder often misdiagnosed?
Fewer than 50% of patients with anxiety disorders are recognized by their primary care physicians as having any kind of psychological problem. This is because many patients present with a variety of physical complaints associated with anxiety, such as fatigue, irritable bowel symptoms, dizziness and heart palpitations.
One common example:
John, a happily married 39-year-old with two healthy children, works at a downtown financial investment company. Although he was under some work stress in recent weeks, he had no history of ‘emotional’ difficulties, and saw himself as an emotionally strong and well-adjusted person.
One day at work, he developed difficulty breathing, a racing heart, dizziness and a feeling that something was very wrong. He told a co-worker, who drove him to a nearby emergency room. After investigations were completed, he was diagnosed as having a panic attack. He was incredulous. “What? A psychological problem? C’mon, that’s not me!” he thought. After a couple of days rest, he was back to work.
In the following days, John felt uneasy and began to experience more episodes of chest pain, racing heart and shortness of breath. He felt worried about experiencing more attacks, and began to sleep poorly and have difficulties concentrating at work. With each anxiety attack, he grew more debilitated, until one day he was unable to face going to work. John is one of 3% of Canadians suffering from panic disorder.
How does one get treatment?
The first step is to contact your family physician to get a diagnosis, and to rule out other physical disorders such as hyperthyroidism that might mimic an anxiety disorder. Speak to your doctor about the treatment options for anxiety disorders.
There are two main forms of treatment: medication and cognitive behaviour therapy. Medications can be prescribed by your family physician. Cognitive behaviour therapy is typically provided by registered mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists or social workers.
There may be OHIP-covered treatment services or group programs available to you, or you can seek the assistance of a private psychologist. Some people have coverage through workplace plans.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is not just talking therapy. It involves learning some specific anxiety management skills, and is proven to be an effective alternative, or adjunct, to medication therapy.
The treatment of choice for children with anxiety disorders is cognitive behaviour therapy.
Dr. McLean is the founder and most senior member of Dr. McLean & Associates Psychology Centre. Learn more at www.mcleanpsychologycentre.com or call 905.472.6622.
More information
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
www.adaa.org
Canadian Mental Health Association
www.cmha.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada (ADAA)
www.anxietycanada.ca
Social Phobia / Social Anxiety Association
www.socialphobia.org
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