Anxiety is the most common of all the mental health disorders. Excessive, irrational fear and dread can severely restrict everyday life. The pharmaceutical industry is exploring how the brain works when affected by anxiety; from this will spring further innovative therapies.
Disease: Anxiety
Last update: May 2005
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Anxiety is the most common of all mental health disorders and they exist in a number of different forms. These include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Each anxiety disorder has its own distinct features but they are all linked by excessive, irrational fear and dread, which can severely restrict people's lives. -
Who gets it?
The risk of developing an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives is estimated to be approximately twenty per cent for men and thirty per cent for women.
Most anxiety disorders develop in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood and they often occur alongside depression. -
What can be done about it?
Most people suffering from anxiety respond well to medication or counselling, either alone or in combination.
Antidepressants are currently used to treat anxiety, and need to be taken for a number of weeks before symptoms improve. Tranquillisers are used for a short period of time. -
What does the future hold?
There is much ongoing research into the areas of the brain thought to be responsible for the emotions of fear and anxiety. This should lead to the development of specific treatments for the different forms of anxiety.
Newer antidepressants and combinations of medications are currently undergoing trials to find out whether they can bring about more rapid symptom relief. There should soon be a number of promising new therapies available to help sufferers to lead normal, fulfilling lives.