Final Draft - Research Essay
Final Draft - Research Essay
Final Draft - Research Essay
Hanna Lesko
Professor Hellmers
English Composition
November 1 2021
What kind of impacts can untreated/undiagnosed anxiety have on an individual, and what
Mental disorders are one of the biggest stigmatized health issues among many Americans
in the United States, one that is a topic no one likes to discuss. Many individuals suffer in
silence, and symptoms are gone unnoticed, simply due to the lack of education around it,
nonetheless the hushed tones to not speak of it. Anxiety disorders are one of many well-known
mental illnesses among our society and can become very difficult to deal with among daily life
and its tasks. However, many are unaware of the affects it can have, not only on a person
mentally, but even further damage in the future to their overall health. Without the added support
and education surrounding mental health, many individuals are left to suffer alone, and this is
never a good result. Untreated anxiety disorders can have long-term negative effects on an
individual's mental and physical state, as it affects every aspect of one's life.
You may be wondering, what exactly is generalized anxiety anyway? Isn’t there only one
form of anxiety? Unfortunately, no, mental disorders are a lot more complicated than that, and
there are many forms of anxiety, amidst their formations and focuses, depending on the
individual. “There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, and many phobia-related disorders” (NIMH). According to an article from the
National Institute of Mental Health, “People with panic disorder have recurrent unexpected panic
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attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that come on quickly and reach their
peak within minutes. Attacks can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by a trigger, such as a
feared object or situation” (NIMH, 2018). Common symptoms of this disorder include panic
attacks, which include a wide range of symptoms, such as: “heart palpitations, pounding
heartbeat, sweating, trembling or shaking, sensations of shortness of breath, feelings of being out
of control” (NIMH, 2018). Many individuals who suffer from this disorder are typically worried
about experiencing these panic attacks often, and try to prevent them by avoiding certain places,
situations, or behaviors that are associated with them. Consistently worrying about panic attacks,
as well as putting in the effort to avoid them can cause various other issues, such as the
development of other disorders. One of these could turn into the development of a phobia, which
is referred to as, “an intense fear of—or aversion to—specific objects or situations” (NIMH,
2018). Although it is understandable and realistic to be anxious in some circumstances, “the fear
people with phobias feel are out of proportion to the actual danger caused by the situation or
object” (NIMH, 2018). Individuals with a phobia typically display symptoms, such as the have
irrational fear about the possibility of running into the feared situation that they constantly keep
at hand. Another sign could include the individual taking many steps to avoid that consistently
feared object or situation, regardless with what it may be. Other examples could include
experiencing intense anxiety when encountering the feared object or situation, and endure
avoidable objects and situations with intense anxiety. There are several existing phobias,
including specific phobias, which are also known as simple phobias. As the name of the phobia
states, people who have a specific phobia have an intense fear of, or feel anxiety about, specific
types of objects or situations. Some examples of specific phobias include the fear of flying,
heights, specific animals, blood, etc. Despite specific phobias for certain objects or activities, the
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fear of social or performance situations also exist, which is known as social anxiety. Individuals
with this disorder worry that specific actions or behaviors associated with their anxiety will be
negatively evaluated by others, leading them to feel embarrassed. Furthermore, this feeling of
“worry often causes people with social anxiety to avoid specific social situations. Social anxiety
disorder can manifest in a range of situations, such as within the workplace or the school
Amidst the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), that many are more familiar with, people
with this disorder display excessive anxiety, typically most days for up to 6 months. Individuals
display a variety of symptoms, and the anxiety that is commonly associated with GAD include
but are not limited to things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday
routine life circumstances. With these persistent feelings of fear, it can cause many issues in their
daily life, such as among social interactions, school, and work. Symptoms of someone with GAD
can include feeling restless, being easily fatigued, having a hard time concentrating, muscle
tension, etc. Another factor can include the difficulty to sleeping, as this could mean either
struggling to stay asleep, falling asleep, etc. (GAD). However, to be diagnosed with GAD, a list
of certain factors and symptoms must be present in an individual. In the mental health field, a
book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), written by the
American Psychiatric Association, is used for clinicians to communicate about their patients, and
establishes a reliable diagnosis for the research of mental disorders. According to the DSM, the
listed criteria for generalized anxiety disorder must include the following:
- “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).
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- 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).
Irritability
Muscle tension
sleep)
- 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],
serious illness [as in hypochondriasis]), and the anxiety and worry do not occur
- The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a
and does not occur exclusively during a mood disorder, a psychotic disorder, or a
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Administration).
The causes of anxiety disorders may vary by individual, but many factors come in to play
to the development of GAD, in this case. Symptoms can vary from mental, to even physical ones
as well. According to an article written by the Cleveland Clinic, physical symptoms can include
“cold or sweaty hands, dry mouth, heart palpitations, nausea, numbness or tingling in hands or
feet, muscle tension, shortness of breath” (Cleveland Clinic). Mental symptoms of this disorder
also may include feeling panic, fear and uneasiness, nightmares, repeated thoughts or flashbacks
of traumatic experiences, and uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts. Along with this comes the
physical symptoms of GAD. When an individual has this mental disorder, they may show the
inability to be still and calm, due to the heightened anxiety they may be experiencing. Those who
also have GAD typically may have ritualistic behaviors, such as washing their hands repeatedly,
which is also a common behavior with those who have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).
Risk factors for developing GAD have been discovered throughout the years by many
researchers, as they have found that they are not only environmental, but biological as well.
Although the risk factors for each anxiety disorder vary, general risk factors for GAD can
include:
adulthood
(NIMH, 2018).
Despite environmental factors, biologically speaking, GAD can develop due to several reasons,
especially with the combination of many other factors. Anxiety disorders are like those of other
mental disorders, as they don’t develop due to a personal weakness, or other problems that are
brought forth. Researchers do not have an exact cause for anxiety disorders, including GAD, but
a suspicion of other factors are to be suspected. Chemically speaking, with a severe or long-
lasting production of stress is consistent in someone’s life, this can change the chemical balance
that controls your mind. According to the Cleveland Clinic, experiencing a great amount of stress
over a long period of time can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder, due to a chemical
imbalance in the brain (Cleveland Clinic). Environmental factors also have a huge affect on the
development of an anxiety disorder, such as experiencing a traumatic event. This can cause a
trigger towards this disorder and is especially higher risk to develop it if they already have a risk
to inherit it.
The effects of GAD on an individual are very impactful and can bring bigger issues later
in their life if it continues to progress. With the repeated amount of stress towards an individual
in their life, the link between stress and anxiety plays a huge factor in its negative effects not
only on the body mentally, but physically, too. An article written by Rivier Academics explains
that there is a link between anxiety and its affect on the brain, especially with memory. “When
your body reacts to real or perceived threats, electrical activity in the brain increases and
produces adrenaline and cortisol. Memory loss can result if that process occurs when fear or
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Academics). Furthermore, the article goes on to discuss information that was founded by
Behavior Therapy. In this study, it was found “that individuals with clinically severe GAD
counterparts” (Rivier Academics). Along with this, adult anxiety is potentially rooted in their
childhood experiences, in which can leave a child uncertain whether a protective figure is
available in times of trouble. The study goes on to discuss how repressing such traumatic
experiences can lead to memory issues. Additionally, the feeling of worry is highly associated
with substantial cognitive avoidance, in which prevents the processing of disturbing emotional
material. But what other affects can GAD have on an individual, especially if they do not receive
treatment? The affects are brutal and very dangerous, and can even be life-threatening, especially
if the anxiety persists to being unbearable. Even though anxiety disorders are highly treatable
with medication and/or therapy, fewer than 40 percent of patients with these illnesses seek
professional help, according to LifeStance Health (GBHP). Especially with the increase in blood
pressure to an individual’s heart with those experiencing anxiety, the physical effects of this can
be fatal. Harvard Health gathered information on those with untreated anxiety, and the reports
found that it caused an increase by 59% likelihood of a woman to have a heart attack.
Unrestricted to just this, untreated anxiety also can make heart attacks 31% more deadly for
women, triples the likelihood of a heart attack in postmenopausal women, and doubles the rate of
heart attacks in adults with heart disease (BGHP). While the presented information can be
terrifying, those with GAD should remember that anxiety is a treatable disorder. By getting
professional help, more individuals can avoid being part of the negative statistics with what
anxiety can do to your physical health. The affects of untreated anxiety are not only limited to
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physical, but it also affects every aspect of your daily life to function. One of the big issues
untreated anxiety can interfere with is your quality of sleep. Another common symptom of
individuals with anxiety disorders mentioned before was sleeping difficulties, such as insomnia.
With the persistent, racing thoughts and worrying, this makes the simple task of sleeping
impossible. Without adequate sleep, people are more likely to develop several issues. These
could include “diabetes, heart disease, common colds and viruses, and obesity” (BGHP). Even
the lack of sleep can also have negative affects on your daily life, as it can increase you to get
into a serious accident or have a fall. For example, driving while exhausted is very dangerous.
Exhaustion can also lead to balance and cognitive troubles. This may cause someone to fall, get
hurt during exercise, or be slow to react in dangerous situations. In some instances, sleeping
difficulties can potentially cause a person to develop anxiety. Other times, the anxiety comes
first. In either case, these problems can worsen one another and lead to a vicious cycle.
Despite the negative affects and symptoms of anxiety disorders, they are easily treated,
with many options, including psychotherapy, medication, or both. There are many ways to treat
anxiety, and people should work with their doctor to find the right treatment that works best for
their needs. Regarding treating anxiety disorders, psychotherapy is one choice. Psychotherapy, or
“talk therapy”, includes many different variations, but for it to be effective, this form of
treatment must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties. Cognitive Behavior Therapy,
commonly known as CBT, is an example of psychotherapy. This teaches people different ways
of thinking, behaving, and reacting to anxiety-producing and fearful objects and situations. CBT
can also help people learn and practice social skills, which is vital for treating social anxiety
disorder.
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Cognitive therapy and exposure therapy are two CBT methods that are often used, together or by
themselves, to treat social anxiety disorder (NIMH). Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying,
challenging, and then neutralizing unhelpful or distorted thoughts underlying anxiety disorders.
Exposure therapy is focused on confronting the fears underlying an anxiety disorder to help
people engage in activities they have been avoiding. CBT can be conducted individually, or with
a group of people who have similar difficulties. Often “homework” is assigned for participants to
complete between sessions. Another form of treatment for anxiety disorders is the option of
medication. While this option does not cure this disorder, it can help to relieve symptoms they
primary care provider. Some states also allow psychologists who have received specialized
training to prescribe psychiatric medications. The most common classes of medications used to
combat anxiety disorders are anti-anxiety drugs (such as benzodiazepines), antidepressants, and
beta-blockers (NIMH). Anti-anxiety medications can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, panic
Fig 1. Antidepressant pills are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders ("One in 6 Americans Take
Antidepressants")
benzodiazepines are sometimes used as first-line treatments for generalized anxiety disorder,
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they have both benefits and drawbacks (NIMH). Some drawbacks of benzodiazepines are that
people can build up a tolerance to them if they are taken over a long period of time. They may
need higher doses to get the same effect, and some people may even become dependent on them.
To avoid these problems, doctors usually prescribe benzodiazepines for short periods of time, a
practice that is especially helpful for older adults, people who have substance abuse problems,
and people who become dependent on medication easily. Beta-blockers are most often used to
treat high blood pressure, but they can also be used to help relieve the physical symptoms of
anxiety. These can include symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, trembling, and blushing.
These medications, when taken for a short period of time, can help people keep physical
symptoms under control. They can also be used “as needed” to reduce acute anxiety, as a
There are many ways to reduce your risk of developing an anxiety disorder, and that
starts with finding ways to control, as well as reduce, the production and sources of your
everyday stress. Incorporating exercise into your daily life is a great way to combat those sources
of stress, and these can include “talking walks regularly, joining an exercise class or gym, or
practicing yoga” (Healthline). If exercise is not something you are interested in participating in,
and you like expressing your thoughts, as it comes more naturally, journaling is a good option.
Keeping a journal can help be a way to track your moods, stress, and anxiety. Especially if you
are working with a mental health professional, a journal can help not only you, but them with
pinpointing your triggers and what helps you feel better. By finding ways to lower your anxiety,
or treating it, it is possible. By bringing awareness to the stigmatism around mental health
disorders, and being aware that being not okay is okay, we can raise the statistic of American
who suffer with not only anxiety disorders, but any mental disorders. A simple starting of a
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conversation for discussing your problems and managing your stress may be difficult for some,
but you’ll find much relief when you take that step.
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Works Cited
Healthline. “Anxiety Prevention: Diet, Journaling, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19
Cleveland Clinic. “Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments.” Cleveland
disorders.
Integrative Health, vol. 16, no. 2, Summer 2013, pp. 40-46. EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=91511570&site=ehost-live.
Fox, Maggie. “One in 6 Americans Take Antidepressants, Other Psychiatric Drugs: Study.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/one-6-americans-take-antidepressants-
other-psychiatric-drugs-n695141.
GBHP. “How Untreated Anxiety Affects Physical Health: GBHP Blog.” Georgia Behavioral
physical-health/.
Hollingworth, Samantha A., et al. “Affective and Anxiety Disorders: Prevalence, Treatment and
Antidepressant Medication Use.” Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 44, no.
Medina, Eduardo. “How Young People's Social Anxiety Has Worsened in the Pandemic.” The
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/27/us/social-anxiety-pandemic.html.
NIMH. “NIMH - Anxiety Disorders.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of
disorders.
Schultz, Susan Polis. "It's Just Anxiety" Documentary . YouTube, 17 Feb. 2020,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxuM-WgotHw.
Street Nashua, 420 South Main, and Social Navigation Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
YouTube. “The Relationship between Anxiety and Memory Loss.” Rivier Academics, 20
and-memory-loss/.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Table 3.15, DSM-IV to DSM-5
the National Survey on Drug Use and Health - NCBI Bookshelf.” Impact of the DSM-IV to
DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]., U.S. National
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t15/.