What is Anxiety?

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Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress or danger that can help us stay alert and avoid harm. It is a feeling of fear, apprehension, or unease that can range from mild to severe. Anxiety is a normal part of life and can even be beneficial in certain situations, such as when it helps us perform better under pressure or avoid danger.

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However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, irrational, or unrealistic worry or fear that is out of proportion to the situation or circumstance. Anxiety disorders can cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

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The main difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders is the severity, frequency, and duration of the symptoms. Normal anxiety is a temporary and proportional response to a stressful or threatening situation, while anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent, and irrational worry or fear that can interfere with daily life. In addition, anxiety disorders can be associated with physical symptoms such as muscle tension, sweating, trembling, and gastrointestinal distress.

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Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), specific phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders differ in terms of their specific symptoms, triggers, and treatment approaches.

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It is important to seek professional help if anxiety symptoms are interfering with daily life or causing significant distress. Treatment options for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

 

With proper treatment, most people with anxiety disorders can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

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If you'd like support with anxiety, contact us today.

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What are the treatment options for Depression?

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There have been numerous research studies on the effectiveness of therapy for anxiety disorders. Here are a few examples of such studies, along with their references:

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1) "Cognitive-behavioural therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: a meta-analysis" by H. Cuijpers, A. van Straten, and P. Andersson.

This study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, found that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The authors conducted a meta-analysis of 66 randomized controlled trials involving over 4,000 patients with GAD and found that CBT produced large reductions in symptoms compared to control conditions.

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2)"Effectiveness of psychotherapy for treatment-resistant anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis" by A. Steinkopf, C. J. Reinecke, and A. J. Aldao.

This study, published in Clinical Psychology Review, examined the effectiveness of psychotherapy for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. The authors conducted a meta-analysis of 46 studies involving over 3,000 patients and found that psychotherapy produced significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, with effect sizes in the moderate range.

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3) "Efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy for anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials" by M. Leichsenring and E. Salzer.

This study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, evaluated the efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. The authors conducted a meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,400 patients and found that psychodynamic psychotherapy produced large reductions in anxiety symptoms compared to control conditions.

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4) "Mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis" by Y. Hofmann, A. Sawyer, and J. Witt.

This study, published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for anxiety disorders. The authors conducted a meta-analysis of 29 studies involving over 1,800 patients and found that MBIs produced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, with effect sizes in the moderate range.

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These are just a few examples of the many research studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of therapy for anxiety disorders.

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If you would like to talk to someone about anxiety symptoms and start working towards feeling better, get in touch.

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Please Note: GAD, PTSD and SAD are medical diagnoses. If you have been diagnosed or suspect you may have a medical conditions, you should consult your GP for advice, diagnosis and treatment and always inform your health professional before starting any alternative or additional therapies or treatments. 

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