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