Morbid anxiety Every eighth German affected

Morbid anxiety: At least every eighth affected in life

05/17/2014

Reasons to be afraid are enough for many people: snakes, spiders or dizzying heights. However, such fears can also develop into an illness and then usually a professional therapy is needed. But for that the disturbance must first be recognized.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses
People are afraid of many things or circumstances. Snakes, spiders or dizzying heights are just a few examples. But such anxiety can also turn into a disease, and then most sufferers need professional therapy. In the course of his life, at least every eighth German suffers from anxiety disorders. According to the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN), these disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in Germany. When fears are not treated, patients often withdraw and reduce their social contacts. In addition, the risk of additional illnesses such as depression increases. However, to be able to treat the disorder, it must first be recognized.

Numerous symptoms indicate illness
Mostly, anxiety disorders occur in early adulthood. Symptoms can include tachycardia, anxiety or dizziness. In some disorders, such as the fear of spiders, also physical discomfort, such as trembling hands and legs, a dry mouth and sweats. Also often described are feelings of disgust, which are sometimes associated with nausea and vomiting. In addition, sufferers often feel that they have a lump in their throats or chest tightness that may be accompanied by respiratory distress and hyperventilation.

Various therapy options
As Professor Borwin Bandelow of the DGPPN explained, panic attacks, generalized anxiety and social phobias could be reduced or completely eliminated by psychotherapeutic procedures and medications. A therapy helps to reduce the anxiety and sufferers would also learn strategies for dealing with the fear. In addition, depth-psychological procedures, behavioral therapies or therapies with hypnosis have proven effective in the treatment of anxiety. Since physical symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain or dizziness but rarely associated with anxiety disorders, these would often not directly recognized and treated. Lack of confidence in one's own strength and the feeling of being at a loss can be further evidence of the disease. (Ad)