Primary Anxiety: An Overview
Introduction
Primary anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent, excessive, and irrational fear or worry about everyday situations. It is also known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and is one of the most common mental health diagnoses. This disorder affects an estimated 3.1% of adults in the United States each year, and is more prevalent in women than in men (Kessler et al., 2005). Primary anxiety often causes significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of functioning. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of primary anxiety, including its symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of primary anxiety is an excessive and irrational fear or worry about everyday situations, such as work, relationships, finances, health, or safety. Other symptoms include difficulty concentrating, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping. It is important to note that symptoms of primary anxiety can be similar to those of other mental health disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or panic disorder.
Risk Factors
Although the exact cause of primary anxiety is not known, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing this disorder. These include genetic factors, environmental factors, such as stressful life events, and personality characteristics, such as being overly perfectionistic or having low self-esteem.
Diagnosis
Primary anxiety is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional based on a thorough evaluation. The evaluation typically includes a review of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and family history, as well as a physical exam. Mental health professionals may also use psychological tests, such as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, to assess the severity of the disorder.
Treatment
The primary treatment for primary anxiety is psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors to reduce anxiety. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be used to treat primary anxiety.
Conclusion
Primary anxiety is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent, excessive, and irrational fear or worry. This disorder can cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of functioning. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy and medications. It is important to seek help from a mental health professional if you think you or a loved one may be suffering from primary anxiety.
References
Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617-627.