Symptoms and causes of anxiety, and
its diagnosis and management
Types of anxiety
Causes
biological causes
occupational stress
the experience of trauma
physical health problems
Common symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder
Physical symptoms
Psychological symptoms
Excessive sweating
Dry mouth
Shortness of breath
Trembling
Abdominal pain
Muscle aches and tension
Nausea
Palpitations
Headaches
Tiredness
Pins and needles
Dizziness
Insomnia
Irritability
Constantly feeling 'on edge'
Difficulty concentrating
Avoidance of certain situations
A sense of dread
Isolating oneself
Restlessness
OCD
PTSD
Social anxiety disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder
Panic disorder
Perinatal anxiety or perinatal OCD
Phobia
Diagnosing anxiety
physical examination
main classification systems used in mental health settings
ICD-10
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)
Treatments
Psychological
Pharmacological
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Graded exposure therapy
Self-help and psychological treatments
Other forms of support
Stepped-care approach
Lifestyle changes
health professionals should discuss with patients
Length of treatment
Any side-effects or possible interactions with other medication
The different types of medication
A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation that leads to a desire for avoidance or
actual avoidance of that object, activity or situation
Panic attacks occur as a result of a sudden onset of extreme apprehension or fear
Severe anxiety or fear provoked by exposure to social situations or performance
Thoughts, images and impulses consume an individual or the individual is compelled to act out their
behaviours to an extent that those behaviours interfere with their social, personal and occupational function
Caused by past traumatic events, which can vary from a single traumatic event such as a car crash or
repeated trauma including abuse
Obsessions and compulsions relating to an individual’s own physical appearance
Anxiety problems that develop in some women during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth