We will describe 10 facts about anxiety and panic attacks; focusing on its symptoms, causes, and treatment. Let’s start with the basics.
We all have stress and fear but most can can control them. This is not anxiety, and it is not a disease.
True (clinical) anxiety is defined as ‘unreasonable fear’. It is more than ‘normal stress’. It can range from mild problem to severe illness.
Anxiety (and depression), are the most common mental illnesses in the UK.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. But many people with an anxiety disorder also have a co-occurring disorder or physical illness, which can make their symptoms worse and recovery more difficult. So it is essential to be treated for both disorders.
People with anxiety are 3-5x as likely to go to a doctor. Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are often caused by anxiety (or depression).
This includes medication, therapy, or a combination of both. It is possible to manage and overcome anxiety disorders with proper treatment and support. It often gets better with time.
There are various types, that we will now go through.
This is a chronic condition that involves excessive and uncontrollable worrying about everyday events.
This is characterised by sudden, unexpected panic attacks that can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
Panic attacks are a type of fear response. They’re an exaggeration of your body’s normal response to danger, stress or excitement.
During a panic attack, physical symptoms can build up very quickly. These can include:
This is an intense fear of social situations and can cause people to avoid social situations altogether.
This involves unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that are followed by repetitive behaviour or mental acts (compulsions).
This can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviour.
We have described 10 facts about anxiety and panic attacks, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment. We hope it has helped you.
10 facts and figures about depression
Anxiety (NHS England)
Anxiety (NHS Scotland)