What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a frequent emotional reaction to stress, marked by feelings of fear, concern, and discomfort. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic or excessive anxiety that interferes with daily activities may indicate an anxiety disorder. It affects people of all ages and can significantly impact one’s mental and physical health if left untreated.

At Psychowellness Center, one of the top mental health facilities in West Delhi, experienced psychologists provide evidence-based treatment for anxiety. The center offers personalized care through cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices to help individuals regain control and lead balanced lives.

Causes

Biological Factors:

Imbalance in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine)
Genetic predisposition (family history of anxiety or mental health disorders)

Psychosocial and Environmental Factors:

Stressful life events (e.g., trauma, abuse, loss, job stress)
Personality traits such as low self-esteem or perfectionism
Chronic medical conditions or substance abuse

Types

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about everyday things for at least 6 months
Panic Disorder: Frequent, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by severe physical symptoms.
Social Anxiety Disorder: A strong fear of social interactions or situations where one may be judged or observed.
Specific Phobias: An intense, irrational fear of particular objects or situations, such as heights or flying.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive, intrusive thoughts and behaviors
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety caused by the recollection of past traumatic events.

Treatment

Effective treatment usually involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, at times, medication.

Therapeutic Approaches:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Aims to identify and challenge harmful thought patterns
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Increases present-moment awareness and reduces reactivity
Exposure Therapy: Involves slowly confronting feared situations to lessen avoidance behaviors.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages embracing difficult emotions

Assessment and Diagnosis

An accurate assessment is crucial for evaluating the severity and specific type of anxiety.

Clinical Interview & History-Taking: To understand symptoms, triggers, and impact on life
Common standardized assessments include the GAD-7, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory.
Medical Examination: To rule out physical causes (e.g., thyroid issues, heart problems)
Psychological Assessment: To evaluate underlying cognitive and emotional patterns

ANXIETY