What is Anxiety?

Anxiety (and, more severely, panic attack) is a feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, agitation, uncertainty and fear.

* Symptoms include feelings of increased tension, helplessness, inadequacy, fear, distress and worry.

* Physical symptoms may also be seen, including palpitations (rapid heartbeat), trembling, shaking voice, white skin, sweaty hands and inability to sleep.

How do you get Anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by life changes or stressful events, or there may be no obvious cause.

How serious is Anxiety?

This can vary greatly and can be over a short or long term.

How long does Anxiety last?

The anxiety may be acute (short term), from a particular stressful event, or chronic (long term) from generalised anxiety, but there may be periods of relatively little anxiety.

How is Anxiety treated?

* Some patients have gained benefit from relaxation techniques such as meditation.

* Supportive therapy may reduce symptoms through the reassurance of a supportive friend, relative or medical professional.

* Other behavioural-type therapies can be advised and given by a trained specialist therapist; these include desensitisation techniques and cognitive behaviour therapies. The type of therapy that is recommended depends on the exact type and severity of the anxiety and its underlying cause if known.

* Treatment with beta-blocker medicines (at generally lower doses than those used for high blood pressure) have successfully controlled some of the symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heart beat and tremor, thereby bringing some relief to the patient.

* Benzodiazepines and antidepressants have also shown success.