Alton Street Surgery Patient Information Leaflet

Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural part of human life and useful for helping us deal with problems and challenges. However there are times when feelings of anxiety can become so strong or continue for so long that they begin to interfere with daily life, causing misery and frustration.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

The symptoms are variable but are often a mixture of physical and emotional sensations. These may include feeling tired and washed out but perhaps not sleeping well, worrying constantly, feeling irritable, not being able to concentrate. People may experience muscle tension and pain, a pounding heart, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation, sweating, nausea, loss of appetite and a dry mouth. They may look pale and tense. Sometimes an unexpected surge of anxiety results in rapid or heavy breathing, palpitations, dizziness or faintness and a terrible feeling of panic - a panic attack. The physical sensations may be so strong that the anxious person may feel that they have a serious physical illness. Sometimes anxiety and panic may be associated with feelings of depression and hopelessness.

What causes anxiety?

Sometimes this kind of anxiety can be caused by particularly difficult circumstances or a traumatic experience. Sometimes it may be a symptom of underlying depression. However, for many people there may be no obvious reason why they develop anxiety and it probably arises from a mixture of different factors.

How can it be treated?

If anxiety has become disabling or long-term, a GP may prescribe an anti-depressant. These drugs are non-addictive and seem to help feelings of anxiety as well as depression. They can enable a person to feel in control of their lives again and able to plan some self-help strategies.

What self-help strategies can be useful?

It is important that drinking alcohol is not used as a way to relieve anxiety.

Talking about the problem is an important aspect of self-help but requires a trusted listener. If family and friends seem inappropriate, the GP may be able to refer the sufferer to a counsellor or suggest a psychotherapist. Psychotherapists vary in their approach to anxiety; they may concentrate on trying to identify and tackle the cause of the anxiety or they may focus on trying to change destructive thought patterns and negative attitudes. There may be a self-help group locally where people who experience similar problems can meet and support each other.

Changes in daily routine can also be helpful. Regular exercise has been shown to lift the spirits and increase confidence. It is also worth making the effort to eat a diet which is balanced and rich in vitamins, rather than comfort eating. Learning to relax is another important strategy. There are many different techniques for doing this and there may be a teacher locally who can help. Audiocassettes for guided relaxation are also available if joining a class seems too daunting.

Useful contacts:

MIND infoline: Telephone: 08457 660 163 (8522 1728 in London)

Open 9.15-4.45 Monday to Thursday; 11.45-4.45 Friday

MIND publishes a number of useful advice booklets, including one on Anxiety.

The Samaritans Telephone: 0345 909090

No Panic Helpline for people with anxiety and panic attacks.

Telephone: 01952 590545

This patient information leaflet has been adapted from an original published by Clinnix Pro, Synigence PLC