The twenty first century is described as one of the most difficult centuries, with economic crises, disasters both natural and manmade, climate change and emergence of life-threatening illnesses, unlike the centuries preceding it, there is also an increase in the number of cases of mental illnesses. While mental illness is becoming more recognised as a public health issue, the majority of Zimbabwe’s population are still ignorant of this subtle yet disruptive illness. There is a wide range of presentations of mental illnesses and the severity of these range from subtle abnormalities to severe impairment of function. In this article we will discuss on anxiety disorders, with particular attention on Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder affects a fifth of the world’s population with a strong predisposition in females than males. It can be diagnosed in childhood and does not have a specific trigger.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) may be described as excessive worrying or nervousness for the future, current events, family, work and the many aspects of life. It is often described in the context that life is a worry. Its clinical diagnosis requires presence of symptoms for 6 months. While anxiety is a normal phenomenon of life particularly when approaching unknown territory or when one is required to step out of their comfort zone, GAD is excessive and exaggerated and this worrying does not stop. The people suffering GAD are unable to control the worrying and in turn it affects their performance, concentration and the cycle becomes vicious with time. They may be withdrawn, uneasy or hesitant.
The disorder progresses to Depression and literature shows a strong relationship between the two. Therefore it requires immediate attention.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder can be treated by psychological and pharmacological interventions.
Psychological intervention include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a therapy which involves changing the way one thinks of life, the future and what the person worries about so that they create coping mechanisms before it becomes excessive. The therapy also involves changes in behaviour related to the anxieties.
By Tendai Tagarisa
ZIMSA HEALTH BLOG 