Anxiety
Anxietas (Latin name)By Bjarne Lühr Hansen PhD, MD and Philipp Skafte-Holm MD, Mentor Institute
The feeling of anxiety is common in severe stresses, but can also be an independent disease. Anxiety can be a part of another mental illness. Alcohol and substance abuse aggravates anxiety. There are medicines that can relieve anxiety. In case of suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.
Fear and horror are normal reactions to events that are perceived to be dangerous. For example, most people become terrified when exposed to violence or robbery. Anxiety is a similar reaction, but where the triggering cause is unknown.
For fear, horror and anxiety, the body reacts with palpitation, sweating, dryness of the mouth, shaking hands and inner turmoil.
Anxiety may also occur with a very rapid superficial breathing (hyperventilation).
Anxiety can be experienced in people without mental illness. More than every tenth is hit once in a state of anxiety. This is especially about illness anxiety, fear of staying in a closed room or anxiety when you are together with many people.
Anxiety is often experienced in people with mental illnesses – e.g. people with alcohol or substance abuse, schizophrenia, depression and mental reaction after violent events - post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).