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Anxiety

What is anxiety?
Experiencing occasional anxiety is normal. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have excessive and persistent worry and/or fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes; these episodes are called panic attacks. These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger present, and can last a long time. Symptoms can start at any point in a person’s life, but often develop in childhood.

There are many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias (like fear of heights or spiders), and separation anxiety disorder. A person can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.

Whatever form of anxiety someone might have, treatment is available and can help.

What causes anxiety?
Scientists believe many things combine to cause anxiety disorders, but all the reasons for anxiety are fully understood. Life experiences, like traumatic events, can trigger or increase anxiety in people who are already likely to have an anxiety disorder. Scientists also believe genetics and/or an underlying medical condition(s) could be causes of anxiety. 

  • Environment - A stressful or traumatic event such as abuse, death of a loved one, violence, or prolonged illness is often linked to the development of an anxiety disorder.
  • Genetics - Studies support the idea that anxiety disorders “run in families,” as some families have a higher-than-average amount of anxiety disorders among relatives.
  • Medical Conditions that can be linked to anxiety include:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism
  • Breathing disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
  • Drug misuse or withdrawal
  • Withdrawal from alcohol
  • Chronic pain
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Rare tumors that produce certain fight-or-flight hormones

 

What are some symptoms of anxiety?
Symptoms of anxiety can be both emotional and physical. Examples of each type are listed below.

Emotional symptoms:

  • Feelings of apprehension or dread
  • Feeling tense or jumpy
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger

Physical symptoms:

  • Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
  • Sweating, tremors and twitches
  • Headaches, fatigue and insomnia
  • Upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea

 

Can anxiety be treated?
Yes, anxiety disorders are primarily treated with psychotherapy or “talk therapy” and medication, usually both. Other options for treatment involve stress reduction, coping skills, and family or other social support.

Talk to your provider about:

 

Who suffers from anxiety?
Anyone can suffer from anxiety, even small children. If you think you or your child might have anxiety, talk to your or your child’s provider. Help is available.

For more information on anxiety, click on the informational links below:

  • Click here to learn more about anxiety in children, possible treatment(s), and support
  • Click here to learn more about anxiety in adults, possible treatment(s), and support
  • Click here to learn more about anxiety in the elderly, possible treatment(s), and support

Common Co-Occurring Conditions

Transportation
Nonemergency transportation for medical and behavioral appointments is available for Apple Health (Medicaid) members. For more information, visit:  HCA.WA.Gov/Transportation-Help.