ANXIETY
Definition
According to the American Psychiatric Association;
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Includes Overanxious Disorder of Childhood)
A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).
B. The person finds it difficult to control the worry.
C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months). Note: Only one item is required in children.
1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edgeD. The focus of the anxiety and worry is not confined to features of an Axis I disorder, e.g., the anxiety or worry is not about having a Panic Attack (as in Panic Disorder), being embarrassed in public (as in Social Phobia), being contaminated (as in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), being away from home or close relatives (as in Separation Anxiety Disorder), gaining weight (as in Anorexia Nervosa), having multiple physical complaints (as in Somatization Disorder), or having a serious illness (as in Hypochondriasis), and the anxiety and worry do not occur exclusively during Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
2. Being easily fatigued
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
4. Irritability
5. Muscle tension
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
E. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
F. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism) and does not occur exclusively during a Mood Disorder, a Psychotic Disorder, or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Implications for School and Home
Some anxiety can help us to be productive.
However, when anxiety levels are too high and last for too long, they may cause;
-Feelings of being overwhelmed.
-Getting "tongue-tied".
-An inability to get jobs/projects/school work done.
-Feeling preoccupied and distracted or unable to concentrate.
-Strong physical reactions, like chest pain, tight muscles, sweating, stomachaches and tiredness.
-Decreased ability to socialize normally.
-A decreased ability to participate in normal daily living activities.
-Trouble sleeping at night.
What to Do
If you feel that anxiety is impacting your life in a negative way, talk to your parents and family doctor. Your family doctor should be able to determine if your symptoms are being caused by an Anxiety Disorder. Also, seek out assistance at school through your school counselor or school social worker for tailored ideas that may help you combat anxiety in the school setting.
Online Resources
