Anxiety Disorders

• 22 Jun 2023

For Prelims: Anxiety, Anxiety disorders, Mental Health

For Mains: Mental Health in India, De-Stigmatizing Mental Health.

Why in News?

Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the impact of anxiety disorders on individuals' daily lives and overall well-being. These common mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the population and can lead to persistent distress and impairment.

• Anxiety is a normal emotion that can become problematic when it becomes persistent and disruptive. In such cases, it may indicate an anxiety disorder that requires attention and appropriate treatment.

What is Anxiety disorder?

• About:
  • Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve excessive and irrational fear and worry about various aspects of life.
  • Anxiety disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background.
• Historical Context of Anxiety Disorders:
  • Anxiety disorders were historically classified within mood disorders until the late 19^th century. Sigmund Freud introduced the concept of "anxiety neurosis" to differentiate anxiety symptoms from depression.
  • Freud’s original anxiety neurosis included people with phobias and panic attacks.
    • Anxiety neurosis is further categorized into anxiety neurosis (people with mainly psychological symptoms of anxiety) and anxiety hysteria (people with phobias and physical symptoms of anxiety).
• Prevalence:
  • According to India's National Mental Health Survey, neurosis and stress-related disorders have a prevalence of 3.5% in India.
    • These disorders are more commonly observed in women and are often overlooked or misdiagnosed in primary care settings. Childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood are considered high-risk periods for the onset of anxiety disorders.
• Clinical Features of Common Anxiety Disorders:
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
    • Excessive worrying lasting over six months, not restricted to specific circumstances, and often accompanied by physical symptoms and distress.
  • Panic Disorder:
    • Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense physical symptoms and fear of catastrophic outcomes.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder:
    • Intense fear of negative evaluation by others, resulting in avoidance of social situations and significant distress.
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder:
    • Fear and distress concerning separation from attachment figures, accompanied by excessive worry about potential harm.
  • Specific Phobias:
    • Irrational fear of specific objects, animals, or situations.
• Causes For Anxiety Disorders:
  • Genetics:
    • An increased likelihood of anxiety disorders can be observed in individuals with a family history of anxiety, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
  • Brain Chemistry:
    • Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are responsible for regulating mood and emotions, may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders.
  • Personality Traits:
    • Certain personality traits, such as being shy, perfectionistic, or prone to stress, can make individuals more susceptible to developing an anxiety disorder.
  • Life Events:
    • Traumatic or stressful experiences, such as abuse, violence, loss, or illness, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders. Conversely, even positive life events like marriage, having a baby, or starting a new job can induce anxiety in some individuals.
  • Medical Conditions:
    • Underlying physical health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems, or hormonal imbalances, can contribute to the onset or manifestation of anxiety symptoms.
• Treating Anxiety Disorders:
  • Treatment decisions are based on the severity, persistence, and impact of symptoms, as well as patient preferences.
  • Evidence-based interventions include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • Co-occurring depression requires separate consideration and specific treatment.
  • Treatment is usually continued for 9-12 months after symptom remission, gradually phased out as recommended.

What Initiatives has the Government of India taken to Address Mental Health?

• National Mental Health Program (NMHP): The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) was adopted by the government in 1982 in response to the large number of mental disorders and shortage of mental health professionals.
  • District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), 1996 was also launched to provide community mental health services at the primary health care level.
• Mental Health Act: As part of the Mental Health Care Act 2017, every affected person has access to mental healthcare and treatment from government institutions.
  • It has significantly reduced the significance of Section 309 IPC and attempts to commit suicide are punishable only as exceptions.
• Kiran Helpline:
  • In 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline 'Kiran' to provide mental health support.
• Manodarpan Initiative:
  • It aimed at providing psychosocial support to students, teachers, and family members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• MANAS Mobile App:
  • To promote mental well-being across age groups, the Government of India launched MANAS (Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System) in 2021.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. What does this quotation mean to you - “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama (2021)

Source: TH