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Mudgee Psychology Tip Sheet Do I have an anxiety disorder? Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in Australia. One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage of their lives. It is also the most common mental health issue in children and the earlier treatment is sought the better. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, and often people will experience symptoms of more than one type. The symptoms of anxiety can be confused with, or part of, many medical conditions (such as thyroid problems) and it is important to seek medical review as well as consulting with a psychologist for treatment. Psychological treatments are considered the most effective in treating anxiety disorders and help a person to recover, as well as prevent a recurrence of anxiety. Psychological treatments assist a person to change their thought patterns and the way they react to certain situations. There are different types of therapy that can help people manage anxiety disorder include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy. Types of Anxiety Disorders Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) People who have GAD have felt anxious on most days for at least six months. Worry can be on topics such as finances, illness or family problems - to the point where it can affect their everyday lives. At times their worry is so great they: feel edgy/restless feel tired have difficulty concentrating develop muscle tension (sore back, neck or jaw, headache) find it hard to fall/stay asleep. 1 Mudgee Psychology www.mudgeepsychology.com.au Ph 6372 6923 Mudgee Psychology Tip Sheet Phobia When a person has a phobia, they feel very fearful about particular objects or situations. Common phobias include: social phobia - fear of social situations such as parties and meetings agoraphobia - fear of open spaces such as parks and big shopping centres claustrophobia - fear of small spaces such as lifts, aeroplanes and crowded rooms zoophobia - fear of animals acrophobia - fear of heights mysophobia - fear of dirt and germs in places such as toilets and kitchens. People often have more than one phobia Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Obsessive compulsive disorder gets its name because people who experience it have ongoing unwanted/intrusive thoughts and fears that cause anxiety - often called obsessions. These obsessions make people feel they need to carry out certain rituals in order to feel less anxious and these are known as compulsions. Common obsessions are: fear of forgetting to do things e.g. turning off appliances or locking doors fear of being contaminated by things that are unclean e.g. dirty cutlery, crockery, food, keys, door handles and toilets fear of not being able to do things in an exact or orderly way fear of becoming sick, having an accident or dying intrusive thoughts about violence, accidents, sex or other inappropriate or unwanted thoughts Common compulsions may include: concerns about personal hygiene, resulting in constant washing of hands or clothes, showering or brushing of teeth constantly cleaning, tidying or rearranging in a particular way things at home, at work or in the car constantly checking that doors and windows are locked and appliances are turned off continually seeking reassurance by repeatedly asking questions of family and friends hoarding items such as newspapers, books, food or clothes. In the short term, giving in to these compulsions can make people with OCD feel less anxious. However, the anxiety returns and with it comes the need to carry out the ritual again... and this cycle continues. 2 Mudgee Psychology www.mudgeepsychology.com.au Ph 6372 6923 Mudgee Psychology Tip Sheet Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) PTSD involves bursts of anxiety that happen after a person experiences a major emotional shock following a stressful event i.e. a trauma. PTSD can be brought on by being involved in or witnessing distressing situations such as: war a major accident a natural disaster (bush fire, hurricane or cyclone) violence and sexual, physical, emotional or verbal abuse being neglected - not being nurtured enough or being abandoned trauma associated with having a chronic illness (e.g. being isolated in hospital for long periods, experiencing unpleasant medical procedures). The symptoms of PTSD include: flashbacks e.g. upsetting intrusive thoughts about a distressing event nightmares difficulty sleeping loss of interest in activities the person used to find enjoyable feeling on edge/irritable being very alert and easily startled difficulty concentrating finding it hard to remember parts of the traumatic event. Panic Disorder A panic attack is an intense feeling of anxiety that seems like it cannot be bought under control. Panic attacks can include short bursts of: feeling anxious feelings of dread e.g. that something bad is going to happen breathing difficulties e.g. shortness of breath feeling lightheaded and/or nauseous having tingles or chills trembling or shaking having chest pains or a tight feeling in the chest. For many people, panic attacks happen only occasionally when they are stressed. For others however, an initial attack can lead to fears of another attack at a later stage. This can result in a vicious cycle where the person is constantly worried about the next attack. These reactions can lead to people having thoughts such as: "I must be going crazy." or "Something bad is going to happen.". Focusing on these thoughts and the cycle of fear and worry can make a panic attack more likely. If you think you or a close friend or family member has an anxiety disorder consult with your GP or Mudgee Psychology on 6372 6923. 3 Mudgee Psychology www.mudgeepsychology.com.au Ph 6372 6923