What is
Anxiety?
Response to
perception of threat: 'Something bad might happen' and accompanied by physical
response: ‘Fight or Flight’ Response or 'Motor Tension'
Motor tension (Long term vigilance) may give rise
to:
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·
Ongoing 'nerviness'
·
Tiredness
·
Disturbed sleep
·
Dizziness
·
Headaches
·
Tremor
·
Tight throat
·
Tooth grinding
·
Heat surges
·
Twitches
·
Neck pain
·
Chest pain
·
Irritable bowel
·
Numbness or tingling
·
Feelings of unreality
·
Poor concentration
·
Shooting pains
·
Indigestion
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Anxiety can be a Motivator
Increases Risk of Anxiety Disorders:
Panic Disorder; Social phobia; Generalised
Anxiety Disorder; Specific phobias; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Anxiety is
Common
Evolution
favours anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect: 14% of the population per year (11%
males, 18% females); 26% of the population over their lifetime. It is the most
common reason for presentation for psychological treatment.
State vs Trait
State
Anxiety: Temporary
State
Trait
Anxiety: Predisposition
to Anxiety (influenced by temperament + life experiences)
State
Anxiety: Common Threats
Negative appraisal (rejection, disapproval, criticism)
Conflict,
Failure, Loss, Physical harm or death, Harm to loved ones, anxiety
Anxiety
begets Anxiety
Anxiety
itself can become a threat. May generate “free floating” anxiety.
The Role of Behaviours
Behavioural responses are motivated by desire
to be safe. However excessive safety behaviours maintain negative appraisals ® maintain anxiety
COMMON
BEHAVIOURS
Avoidance
e.g. of things that make us anxious; social
situations, busy public places, unpleasant tasks, etc.
Safety
behaviours
e.g.
perfectionism; excessively cautious; excessive attempts at control; sit near
the door, take someone with you, mobile phone contact, over-preparation
Reassurance
seeking
e.g.
checking, asking others, internet, self-monitoring, worrying, frequent medical
appointments,
Continue
reading as we post more from Sarah including some great strategies for managing
anxiety.
About Sarah
Dr Sarah Edelman is a
clinical psychologist in
private practice, author and trainer.
She conducts professional training programs for the Australian
Psychological Society and the Black Dog Institute Sydney, and runs workshops at Sydney University Centre
for Continuing Education. Sarah has
published many articles in professional and mainstream
journals, and is a regular guest on ABC radio. Her book,
“Change Your Thinking” is a best seller in the self-help genre.
