Anxiety
& Homeopathy.
Dr. Sayeed Ahmad D.
I. Hom. (London)
I. – INTRODUCTION
Anxiety, emotional state in which people feel uneasy,
apprehensive, or fearful. People usually experience anxiety about events
they cannot control or predict, or about events that seem threatening or
dangerous. For example, students taking an important test may feel
anxious because they cannot predict the test questions or feel certain
of a good grade. People often use the words fear and anxiety to describe
the same thing. Fear also describes a reaction to immediate danger
characterized by a strong desire to escape the situation.The physical symptoms of anxiety reflect a chronic
“readiness” to deal with some future threat. These symptoms
may include fidgeting, muscle tension, sleeping problems, and headaches.
Higher levels of anxiety may produce such symptoms as rapid heartbeat,
sweating, increased blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness.All people experience anxiety to some degree. Most
people feel anxious when faced with a new situation, such as a first
date, or when trying to do something well, such as give a public speech.
A mild to moderate amount of anxiety in these situations is normal and
even beneficial. Anxiety can motivate people to prepare for an upcoming
event and can help keep them focused on the task at hand.However, too little anxiety or too much anxiety can
cause problems. Individuals who feel no anxiety when faced with an
important situation may lack alertness and focus. On the other hand,
individuals who experience an abnormally high amount of anxiety often
feel overwhelmed, immobilized, and unable to accomplish the task at
hand. People with too much anxiety often suffer from one of the anxiety
disorders, a group of mental illnesses. In fact, more people experience
anxiety disorders than any other type of mental illness. A survey of
people aged 15 to 54 in the United States found that about 17 percent of
this population suffers from an anxiety disorder during any given year.
II. – ANXIETY DISORDERS
The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, a handbook for mental health professionals,
describes a variety of anxiety disorders. These include generalized
anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
People with generalized anxiety disorder feel anxious
most of the time. They worry excessively about routine events or
circumstances in their lives. Their worries often relate to finances,
family, personal health, and relationships with others. Although they
recognize their anxiety as irrational or out of proportion to actual
events, they feel unable to control their worrying. For example, they
may worry uncontrollably and intensely about money despite evidence that
their financial situation is stable. Children with this disorder
typically worry about their performance at school or about catastrophic
events, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, and nuclear war.People with generalized anxiety disorder often find
that their worries interfere with their ability to function at work or
concentrate on tasks. Physical symptoms, such as disturbed sleep,
irritability, muscle aches, and tension, may accompany the anxiety. To
receive a diagnosis of this disorder, individuals must have experienced
its symptoms for at least six months.Generalized anxiety disorder affects about 3 percent
of people in the general population in any given year. From 55 to 66
percent of people with this disorder are female.
B. Phobias
A phobia is an excessive, enduring fear of clearly
defined objects or situations that interferes with a person’s normal
functioning. Although they know their fear is irrational, people with
phobias always try to avoid the source of their fear. Common phobias
include fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of enclosed places
(claustrophobia), fear of insects, snakes, or other animals, and fear of
air travel. Social phobias involve a fear of performing, of critical
evaluation, or of being embarrassed in front of other people.
C. Panic Disorder
Panic is an intense, overpowering surge of fear.
People with panic disorder experience panic attacks—periods of quickly
escalating, intense fear and discomfort accompanied by such physical
symptoms as rapid heartbeat, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness,
and nausea. Because people with this disorder cannot predict when these
attacks will strike, they develop anxiety about having additional panic
attacks and may limit their activities outside the home.
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
In obsessive-compulsive disorder, people persistently
experience certain intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) or feel
compelled to perform certain behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions may
include unwanted thoughts about inadvertently poisoning others or
injuring a pedestrian while driving. Common compulsions include
repetitive hand washing or such mental acts as repeated counting. People
with this disorder often perform compulsions to reduce the anxiety
produced by their obsessions. The obsessions and compulsions
significantly interfere with their ability to function and may consume a
great deal of time.
E. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder sometimes occurs after
people experience traumatic or catastrophic events, such as physical or
sexual assaults, natural disasters, accidents, and wars. People with
this disorder relive the traumatic event through recurrent dreams or
intrusive memories called flashbacks. They avoid things or places
associated with the trauma and may feel emotionally detached or
estranged from others. Other symptoms may include difficulty sleeping,
irritability, and trouble concentrating.
III. – CAUSES
Most anxiety disorders do not have an obvious cause.
They result from a combination of biological, psychological, and social
factors.
A. Genetics and Neurobiology
Studies suggest that anxiety disorders run in
families. That is, children and close relatives of people with disorders
are more likely than most to develop anxiety disorders. Some people may
inherit genes that make them particularly vulnerable to anxiety. These
genes do not necessarily cause people to be anxious, but the genes may
increase the risk of anxiety disorders when certain psychological and
social factors are also present.Anxiety also appears to be related to certain brain
functions. Chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters enable
neurons, or brain cells, to communicate with each other. One
neurotransmitter, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), appears to play a
role in regulating one’s level of anxiety. Lower levels of GABA are
associated with higher levels of anxiety. Some studies suggest that the
neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin play a role in panic
disorder.
B. Psychological Factors
Psychologists have proposed a variety of models to
explain anxiety. Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud suggested that
anxiety results from internal, unconscious conflicts. He believed that a
person’s mind represses wishes and fantasies about which the person
feels uncomfortable. This repression, Freud believed, results in anxiety
disorders, which he called neuroses.More recently, behavioral researchers have challenged
Freud’s model of anxiety. They believe one’s anxiety level relates
to how much a person believes events can be predicted or controlled.
Children who have little control over events, perhaps because of
overprotective parents, may have little confidence in their ability to
handle problems as adults. This lack of confidence can lead to increased
anxiety.Behavioral theorists also believe that children may
learn anxiety from a role model, such as a parent. By observing their
parent’s anxious response to difficult situations, the child may learn
a similar anxious response. A child may also learn anxiety as a
conditioned response. For example, an infant often startled by a loud
noise while playing with a toy may become anxious just at the sight of
the toy. Some experts suggest that people with a high level of anxiety
misinterpret normal events as threatening. For instance, they may
believe their rapid heartbeat indicates they are experiencing a panic
attack when in reality it may be the result of exercise.
C. Social Factors
While some people may be biologically and
psychologically predisposed to feel anxious, most anxiety is triggered
by social factors. Many people feel anxious in response to stress, such
as a divorce, starting a new job, or moving. Also, how a person
expresses anxiety appears to be shaped by social factors. For example,
many cultures accept the expression of anxiety and emotion in women, but
expect more reserved emotional displays from men.
IV. – TREATMENT
Mental health professionals use a variety of methods
to help people overcome anxiety disorders. These include psychoactive
drugs and psychotherapy, particularly behavior therapy. Other
techniques, such as exercise, hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback, may
also prove helpful.
A. Medications
Psychiatrists often prescribe benzodiazepines, a
group of tranquilizing drugs, to reduce anxiety in people with high
levels of anxiety. Benzodiazepines help to reduce anxiety by stimulating
the GABA neurotransmitter system. Common benzodiazepines include
alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium). Two
classes of antidepressant drugs—tricyclics and selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—also have proven effective in treating
certain anxiety disorders.Benzodiazepines can work quickly with few unpleasant
side effects, but they can also be addictive. In addition,
benzodiazepines can slow down or impair motor behavior or thinking and
must be used with caution, particularly in elderly persons. SSRIs take
longer to work than the benzodiazepines but are not addictive. Some
people experience anxiety symptoms again when they stop taking the
medications.
B. Psychotherapy
Therapists who attribute the cause of anxiety to
unconscious, internal conflicts may use psychoanalysis to help people
understand and resolve their conflicts. Other types of psychotherapy,
such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, have proven effective in treating
anxiety disorders. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, the therapist often
educates the person about the nature of his or her particular anxiety
disorder. Then, the therapist may help the person challenge irrational
thoughts that lead to anxiety. For example, to treat a person with a
snake phobia, a therapist might gradually expose the person to snakes,
beginning with pictures of snakes and progressing to rubber snakes and
real snakes. The patient can use relaxation techniques acquired in
therapy to overcome the fear of snakes.Research has shown psychotherapy to be as effective
or more effective than medications in treating many anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy may also provide more lasting benefits than medications
when patients discontinue treatment.
HOMŒOPATHIC TREATMENT
Aconitum napellus:
A panic attack that comes on suddenly with very
strong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy. A state of
immense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of
breath, and flushing of the face. Sometimes a shaking experience will be
the underlying cause. Strong feelings of anxiety may also occur when a
person is just beginning to come down with a flu or cold.
Argentum nitricum:
This remedy can be helpful when anxiety develops
before a big event: an exam, an important interview, a public appearance
or social engagement. Dizziness and diarrhea may also be experienced.
People who need this remedy are often enthusiastic and suggestible, with
a tendency toward peculiar thoughts and impulses. They often crave
sweets and salt (which usually make their symptoms worse).
Arsenicum album:
People who are deeply anxious about their health, and
extremely concerned with order and security, often benefit from this
remedy. Obsessive about small details and very neat, they may feel a
desperate need to be in control of everything. Panic attacks often occur
around midnight or the very early hours of the morning. The person may
feel exhausted yet still be restless—fidgeting, pacing, and anxiously
moving from place to place. These people may also have digestive
problems or asthma attacks accompanied by anxiety.
Calcarea carbonica:
This remedy is usually indicated for dependable,
solid people who become overwhelmed from physical illness or too much
work and start to fear a breakdown. Their thoughts can be muddled and
confused when tired, which adds to the anxiety. Worry and bad news may
agitate them, and a nagging dread of disaster (to themselves or others)
may develop. Fear of heights and claustrophobia are also common. A
person who needs this remedy is often chilly and sluggish, has a craving
for sweets, and is easily fatigued.
Gelsemium:
Feelings of weakness, trembling, and mental dullness
(being “paralyzed by fear”) suggest a need for this remedy. It
is often helpful when a person has stage-fright about a public
performance or interview, or feels anxious before a test, a visit to the
dentist, or any stressful event. Chills, perspiration, diarrhea, and
headaches will often occur with nervousness. Fear of crowds, a fear of
falling, and even a fear that the heart might stop are other indications
for Gelsemium.
Ignatia amara:
A sensitive person who is anxious because of grief,
loss, disappointment, criticism, loneliness (or any stressful emotional
experience) may benefit from this remedy. A defensive attitude, frequent
sighing, and mood swings are other indications. The person may burst
unexpectedly into either tears or laughter. Headaches that feel like a
nail driven into the side of the head, and cramping pains in the abdomen
or back, are often seen when this remedy is needed.
Kali phosphoricum:
When a person has been exhausted by overwork or
illness and feels a deep anxiety and inability to cope, this remedy may
help. The person is jumpy and oversensitive, and may be startled by
ordinary sounds. Hearing unpleasant news or thinking of world events can
aggravate the problems. Insomnia and an inability to concentrate may
develop, increasing the sense of nervous dread. Eating, warmth, and rest
often bring relief. Headaches, backaches, and nervous digestive upsets
are often seen when this remedy is needed.
Lycopodium:
Individuals likely to respond to this remedy feel
anxiety from mental stress and suffer from a lack of confidence. They
can be self-conscious and feel intimidated by people they perceive as
powerful (yet may also swagger or be domineering toward those with whom
they feel more comfortable). Taking on responsibility can cause a deep
anxiety and fear of failure, although the person usually does well, once
started on a task. Claustrophobia, irritability, digestive upsets with
gas and bloating, and a craving for sweets are often seen when this
remedy is needed.
Natrum muriaticum:
Deep emotions and a self-protective shyness can make
these people seem reserved, aloof, and private. Even when feeling
lonely, they tend to stay away from social situations, not knowing what
to say or do. (Inhibitions sometimes leave completely if they turn to
alcohol, which makes them feel embarrassed afterwards.) Easily hurt and
offended, they can brood, bear grudges, dwell on unhappy feelings, and
isolate themselves—refusing consolation even when they want it.
However, they are often sympathetic listeners to other people’s
problems. Claustrophobia, anxiety at night (with fears of robbers or
intruders), migraines, and insomnia are often seen when this remedy is
needed.
Phosphorus:
People who need this remedy are openhearted,
imaginative, excitable, easily startled, and full of intense and vivid
fears. Strong anxiety can be triggered by thinking of almost anything.
Nervous and sensitive to others, they can overextend themselves with
sympathy to the point of feeling exhausted and “spaced out” or
even getting ill. They want a lot of company and reassurance, often
feeling better from conversation or a back-rub. Easy flushing of the
face, palpitations, thirst, and a strong desire for cold, refreshing
foods are other indications for Phosphorus.
Pulsatilla:
People who need this remedy often express anxiety as
insecurity and clinginess, with a need for constant support and
comforting. The person may be moody, tearful, whiny, even emotionally
childish. (Pulsatilla is a very useful remedy for children.) Getting too
warm or being in a stuffy room often increases anxiety. Fresh air and
gentle exercise often bring relief. Anxiety around the time of hormonal
changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) often is helped with
Pulsatilla.
Silicea :
People who need this remedy are capable and serious,
yet are also nervous, shy, and subject to bouts of temporary loss of
confidence. Anxiety can be extreme when they are faced with a public
appearance, interview, examination, or any new job or task. Worry and
overwork can bring on headaches, difficulty concentrating, and states of
exhaustion, oversensitivity, and dread. Responsible and diligent, they
often overreact and devote attention to tiny details—making their
worries (and their work) more difficult. They often have low stamina and
come down with colds, sore throats, or other illnesses after working
hard or being under stress.
Reference:
Dr. Lynn F. Bufka and Dr. David H. Barlow (MS Encarta
Encylopedia 2002).Copyright © Dr. Sayeed Ahmad
2004