Anxiety Disorder

It’s important to know that feeling anxious is not the same as having a diagnosable anxiety disorder, however disproportionate and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety are a symptom of a disorder.

There are very many types of anxiety disorders that might be related. For example, panic disorder is a particular style of anxiety disorder where a person has frequent panic attacks. However experiencing panic attacks is also a symptom of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).  

If left unmanaged, chronic anxiety could turn into a mental illness like an anxiety disorder. If left untreated, anxiety disorder can seriously affect your health, outlook and life. So, what does having anxiety disorder or having panic attacks feel like? What effect can it have if untreated? And what can research do to help?

What are the signs and symptoms?

Anxiety feels different for everyone. Some might experience physical effects on their body whilst others might experience anxiety which affects their minds.

The brain and body and closely interrelated such that feelings of fear and anxiety trigger the hypothalamus in the brain to stimulate the release of hormones in our bodies which, in turn produces the ‘fight-or-flight’ response, the physical symptoms.

Though this is not an exhaustive list, these are common symptoms/experiences you may have:

Psychological symptoms:

• The presence of excessive anxiety and worry about a variety of topics, events, or activities. Worry occurs more often than not for at least 6 months and is clearly excessive.
• The worry is experienced as very challenging to control.
• The anxiety and worry may also affect cognitive functions such as edginess or restlessness, impaired concentration or feeling as though the mind goes blank, irritability.

"Anxiety can feel like a spotlight in your mind shining on your deepest fears or worries at all times."

Physical symptoms:

• Difficulty sleeping (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness at night, or unsatisfying sleep)
• Increased muscle aches or soreness, tiring easily
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal discomfort

4 experiences of anxiety disorder or panic attacks:

Anxiety feels different for everyone. Some might experience physical effects on their body whilst others might experience anxiety which affects their minds.

“My anxiety/panic attacks started when I was aged 25. I am now in my 70s. My life was turned upside down due to them. I became seriously depressed and constantly in fear. I was unable to go on a train or any kind of public transport for fear of an attack and I stopped socialising with friends.” Chrissie, MQ panic disorder study participant

“My anxiety and claustrophobia, known as agoraphobia, was out of control. {As a result} I wasn’t working [and] had withdrawn socially.” Clare Downing, MQ panic disorder study participant

“My panic attacks started around the age of 14. Even the slightest bit of tension triggered me. I would scream and cry uncontrollably if my parents tried to comfort me. And by 15, I was sleeping with loud music every night. That was the only way I knew how to fall asleep. I was terrified of the silence. I attached a security alarm next to my bed, just in case.” Deepanshi Gulati, MQ Ambassador

“In the midst of an attack it can feel as though my life is in danger, I can’t breathe, my vision goes blurry. The fear of experiencing a panic attack at certain points in my life became so strong I developed a fear of leaving my house, which then exacerbated my clinical depression and physical health hugely. It can feel overwhelming to even begin to approach alone.” Juliette Burton, MQ writer

Anxiety and its related conditions can be hugely life-limiting. You can read more detail about what it feels like to experience an anxiety attack here:

What are the causes of anxiety disorders?

Because many factors can increase the chance of developing an anxiety disorder, everyone’s experience of anxiety will be different. It is thought that there is no single cause, but several factors interact to increase your chance of developing an anxiety disorder:

Genetically inherited:
Research shows that having a close relative with anxiety problems might increase your chances of having anxiety problems yourself.

Past or childhood experiences:
Common triggers for anxiety problems are related to difficult experiences in childhood as experiencing extreme stress and trauma can have a big impact. Experiences such as:

• Physical or Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Losing a parent
• Being bullied or being socially excluded

Current Life Situation:

• Stress such as work pressure, living up to expectations
• Poor living situations such as homelessness or money problems
• Traumatic events such as bereavement, being abused or harassed, experiencing natural disasters (See also PTSD)
• Physical or Mental Health problems
• Anxiety triggers can be caused by chronic illness or mental health problems such as depression.

Drugs and Medication:
Anxiety can, in some cases, be a side effect of certain medications. Recreational drugs and alcohol can also increase anxiety.

What are the common treatments for anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders can be treated in a number of ways. Many people have symptoms associated with stressful life events or situations, which can improve without the need for treatment. For those who fulfil an anxiety disorder diagnosis - in terms of severity, duration, distress, and impairment - some form of treatment is likely to be beneficial.

There is strong evidence that psychological and pharmacological treatments are effective for treating many anxiety disorders. Self-help and complementary approaches may help with mild anxiety and can also assist whilst undergoing other forms of therapy. (See also BAP Guidelines).

There are different ways that can help with anxiety such as:

Information and advice:

By gaining a better understanding of Anxiety Disorder, recognising more symptoms and signs as well as gaining more access to services and supports. You will gain the right support and help necessary for you.

• Anxiety Care UK, Anxiety UK (See here)
• NICE - National Insurance for Health and Care (See here)

Treatment:

Treatment will provide you with the right support and help you cope with your anxiety. It is vital to reach out for help if you think you  have symptoms of an anxiety disorder.

• Visit GP: They will do an assessment together you can decide together what might suit you.
• Mind (See here)
• Local Minds (See here)
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (See here)

Support groups:

Support groups help you through your anxiety disorder, they help you feel less alone, you could offer and receive advice from people who are experiencing the same disorder.

• Side by Side (See here)
• Samaritans (See here)
• Anxiety UK (See here)

What are the recent developments in research for anxiety disorders?

MQ funds a number of different studies that cover anxiety disorders. Here are some of the recent findings:

​How is MQ helping?

So how has MQ approached research of anxiety? We have supported researchers looking at various aspects of anxiety both in adults and children and young people, with huge breakthroughs being made in multiple aspects of the condition including treatment, prevention and intervention.

One example is a study that marks its 10th year since it began, conducted by one of MQ’s first fellows, Dr Andrea Reinecke. The study investigated one aspect of anxiety; panic disorder, something Dr Andrea feels passionately had previously been underfunded.

“Research projects like mine are only possible with funding and sadly there just isn’t enough of it. Because of this, our understanding of how anxiety develops and how it can be prevented is nowhere near where it needs to be.” - Dr Andrea Reinecke, MQ Fellow 2014

Thanks to MQ’s support, Andrea was able to show that panic disorder can be treated effectively with only one session of treatment. These impressive findings have enormous implications for reducing waiting lists and improving treatment delivery in routine clinical care.

Chrissie and Clare, quoted earlier in this article, were two participants in Dr Andrea’s study. Chrissie’s anxiety disorder and panic attacks had inhibited her life for around 50 years. But after seeing an advert for one of MQ’s funded studies, she decided to take action. Clare too experienced intense anxiety and other related conditions that limited her life-enjoyment hugely:

“Dr Reinecke was the first health professional who didn’t tell me to “go to my happy place” but really listened to how I felt when I was having an attack.”

Can anxiety improve thanks to research?

For both Chrissie and Clare, the results of Dr Andrea’s treatment were life-changing:

“I can honestly say my life has been completely turned around. Since the treatment I have been able to do so much more without the constant fear. Travel, theatres, cinemas, holidays and even a gliding experience for my 70th birthday!” Chrissie, MQ study participant

“After participating in the study, life opened up. I began re-engaging friends and working, things that had become impossible and were previously unimaginable.  {Participating in this MQ funded study} gave me the tools to control my anxiety, not be controlled by it, giving me my life back.  She has done the same for hundreds of others as well.” Clare, MQ study participant

The overwhelming positive effect this study has had on these two individuals holds huge promise for so many others whose lives are massively affected by anxiety and panic disorder. As Chrissie attests, participating in the research can help someone live a fuller, more richer life:

“I cannot express just how grateful I am to Andrea and her work. She has given me an escape from a terrible illness that I never believed was possible. With my whole heart and endless thanks, I hope and trust she can continue to help others as she has me.”

If you’d like to participate in future studies into anxiety, panic disorder or other mental health conditions, take a look at MQ’s Participate page where you can discover studies recruiting for participants now. You might have life-enhancing experiences, like Chrissie and Clare. You will definitely help researchers discover answers to guide us all towards a mentally healthier future.

Dr Andrea’s research, along with the many studies MQ has supported in the last decade, has changed lives for the better, and says it’s all thanks to MQ:

“The work of MQ Mental Health Research is so incredibly important to help us further our understanding of anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions, so that we can develop more effective interventions.”

Do you need help with anxiety disorder or panic attacks? Help is available. Get help now.