Anxiety affecting work should be a cause for concern – 06/27/2023 – Equilibrium

How much anxiety is too much?

Last week, a panel of leading US medical experts recommended for the first time that all adult patients under age 65 be screened for symptoms of anxiety.

The new guidelines were issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force after a draft was released in September. In early 2022, experts had given similar indications for children aged 8 to 18 years.

Millions of Americans struggle with anxiety: About 1 in 5 adults in the United States has an anxiety disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

[Já o Brasil possui a população mais ansiosa do mundo, de acordo com o último mapeamento global de transtornos mentais realizado pela OMS (Organização Mundial da Saúde).]

Having a little anxiety isn’t necessarily a problem: experts say that an internal alarm system benefits us in many ways, helping to improve our performance or recognizing danger, and encouraging us to be more aware.

In addition, it is common to feel more anxious in the face of stressful events, such as starting a new job, experiencing the death of a loved one or moving to another city.

At times, however, the anxiety can become more pervasive and overwhelming.

How do you distinguish protective anxiety from more problematic anxiety? And what should you do if you’re 65 or older and you’re feeling anxious?

Petros Levounis, president of the American Psychiatric Association, responded to these and other questions via email. Below are edited excerpts.

How do you know if your anxiety needs evaluation?

Anxiety can make people try to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Some signs to look out for include a feeling of dread or worry that doesn’t go away, or trouble sleeping or eating.

Other symptoms may include restlessness, feelings of fear or danger, increased heart rate, sweating, tremors and difficulty concentrating.

If you feel like worrying is too much and it starts to affect your work, relationships or other areas of your life – or you feel depressed – it might be time to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. Anxiety can get worse if you don’t ask for help.

What are ‘normal’ levels? How much is too much?

We all feel anxious from time to time. If you have an important test, worries about family or paying your bills, you can start to get nervous. Your heart might beat faster, you might sweat more, or feel on edge. Sometimes that feeling disappears as quickly as it came. But if this worry and fear is constantly present, you need help.

How is the treatment?

The first step is to see your doctor to make sure it’s not a physical problem causing your symptoms. If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, a mental health professional can help you find the best treatment. Most people respond well to psychotherapy and medication. A combination of both has been found to be the most effective.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy, can help a person learn a different way of thinking, reacting, and behaving so they feel less anxious. Medications do not cure anxiety disorders, but they can provide significant relief from symptoms. The most used drugs are anxiolytics and antidepressants.

I am 65 years old or older. And now?

The new recommendation does not include people aged 65 and over. In that case, if a doctor doesn’t offer to screen seniors, ask!

You should know that anxiety usually comes with an overwhelming feeling of nervousness, fear and worry for long periods of time. But she may also have physical symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain or gastrointestinal problems. Senior adults may think this is just a sign of aging. But it’s important to share all of your symptoms — including your emotional concerns — with your doctor.

Does a positive result mean the need for treatment?

Clinicians should follow up positive screenings with questions such as duration of symptoms, degree of distress and commitment to treatment, and treatment history.

Screening for any mental disorder without adequate follow-up is potentially harmful. Brief interventions for people with depression and anxiety can go a long way toward increasing early detection of mental health disorders, as well as suicide prevention.