Anxiety Disorders

Occasional anxiety and worries are a normal part of life. However, anxiety disorders are different. For people suffering from an anxiety disorder, the anxiety doesn't go away. Instead, it can worsen with time and may interfere with daily activities like work, schoolwork, socialising, and interpersonal or professional relationships.

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Recognising symptoms

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

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Increased heartbeat, feeling like your heart is racing
Worrying for a large portion of the day
Easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Muscle tension, constant headaches, stomach issues such as indigestion or an upset stomach, or other unexplained physical complaints
Shortness of breath, hyperventilation, or difficulty breathing
Restlessness and feeling on edge
Irritability
Sensations of being trapped in a situation beyond your control
Sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling, or staying asleep

More about anxiety disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and worry from time to time – even quite regularly in this modern world. This anxiety may be short lived and intense over a specific incident or more long-term and complex.

People with anxiety disorders experience something different. An anxiety disorder describes severe anxiety that is excessive, chronic, consistent, and typically interferes with a person’s ability to function optimally in their daily lives.

What to keep in mind

The reality is that modern life can be extremely stressful. In South Africa, this is exacerbated by a society that lives increasingly on the edge.

Types of anxiety disorders

Although it's not always easy to tell the difference between ‘normal’ feelings of anxiousness and an anxiety disorder, it is worth seeking professional help if anxiety is disrupting you or your loved one’s ability to function on a daily basis.

Different types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD includes symptoms such as excessive worry and self-doubt that interferes with daily life and lasts for more than six months.

Panic disorder

Panic disorders are characterised by sudden attacks of panic and fear, usually triggered by fear producing events or thoughts.

Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety is a fear of losing, or being away from a person or attachment figure. It's often seen alongside other anxiety related conditions.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder causes a person to experience intense anxiety in some or all of their social interactions in everyday life.

Specific phobias

A phobia is defined as a groundless fear and avoidance of an object or situation. Phobias can cause significant distress for people.

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Take a self-assessment

Our general anxiety self-assessment can help you to find out if what you're feeling is 'normal' anxiousness or something that you may need help to manage.

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Treatment programme for anxiety disorders

Netcare Akeso’s general psychiatry programme places a great deal of emphasis on helping patients cope with the understandable stresses of modern life.

We are focused on helping you and your loved ones manage anxiety, by providing a place of tranquility and safety to promote the healing process and practical tools to help you going forward.

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Get in touch

As part of our commitment to providing the best and safest care to all of our patients, we listen. If you have anything you'd like to ask us, or need assistance accessing our services, please get in touch.