Acute Anxiety: An Overview
Anxiety is a normal and adaptive emotion that serves as a warning signal to humans, alerting them to potential danger or a threat (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). When the feeling of anxiety is intense and reaches disabling levels, it can be classified as an anxiety disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Acute anxiety is a subtype of anxiety disorder that is characterized by intense and debilitating levels of fear and worry. This article provides an overview of acute anxiety, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and implications for patient care.
Symptoms
The symptoms of acute anxiety can vary in intensity and duration, but generally include feelings of fear, apprehension, dread, worry, or panic (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Other common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, restlessness, irritability, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and muscle tension (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In more severe cases, individuals may experience nausea, chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Diagnosis
Acute anxiety is diagnosed using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The DSM-5 requires that the individual experience intense fear or worry that is out of proportion to the situation, is persistent and pervasive, and interferes with daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is also important to rule out any medical or substance-induced sources of anxiety (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Treatment
Treatment for acute anxiety typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders and can help individuals learn to identify and modify maladaptive thought patterns and reactions to stressful situations (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Medications, such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines, are often used to help reduce the intensity of symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Implications for Patient Care
Acute anxiety can be a debilitating condition, and it is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant for signs of anxiety in their patients. Healthcare providers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of acute anxiety, as well as the best practices for diagnosis and treatment. It is also important for healthcare providers to recognize and address any underlying psychological or medical causes of anxiety. By being vigilant and providing appropriate interventions, healthcare providers can help reduce the burden of acute anxiety for their patients.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.