Anxiety treatable, but 83% of affected did not get help

Shekhar, a businessman from South Mumbai, meticulously plans his routes to ensure he is within a five-minute distance from a hospital at all times. This precaution stems from his anxiety disorder, which causes him to fear potential heart attacks while driving. Karthik, a 32-year-old IIM graduate and marketing executive, also battles anxiety, experiencing heavy stomach sensations and feeling as though his legs are leaden during meetings, a fear that persists until the meeting concludes.

According to the National Mental Health Survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), around 2.57% of adults had an anxiety disorder at the time of assessment. However, an overwhelming 83% of those affected did not seek treatment, and nearly 60% experienced varying degrees of disability, as reported in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry in 2022.

Anxiety disorders, which remain under-recognized and inadequately treated, stem from stigma and a lack of awareness surrounding mental illness. Psychiatrist Dr Kedar Tilwe from Fortis Hospital, Mulund, highlighted that various forms of anxiety exist, ranging from social anxiety and academic stress to persistent intrusive thoughts.

In children, anxiety can manifest as school refusal, while adolescents dealing with exams may experience headaches, body aches, or backaches. Dr Chavda, a child psychiatrist, emphasized that the pressure to maintain an impeccable image, exacerbated by curated social media lives, can also intensify fear of judgment.

Everyday anxiety is a natural response to uncertainty or perceived threats. However, when it becomes chronic and disproportionate, it constitutes an anxiety disorder. Psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty likened the body's alarm system to an overactive smoke detector, reacting to minor stimuli as if they were fire. Factors such as crowded trains, inadequate sleep, workplace demands, educational pressures, financial worries, and personal safety concerns can perpetually keep individuals in a heightened state of stress.

Psychiatrist Dr Shetty added that weakened support systems and emotional disconnection may further contribute to this state.

For adults, panic disorder with agoraphobia may manifest, leading to avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult during panic attacks. This fear can compel individuals to steer clear of bridges, crowded trains, flights, and traffic, often limiting their movement to familiar surroundings. Dr Tilwe noted that such avoidance can significantly impact one's life, reducing adaptability to new challenges.

Anxiety disorders are, in fact, treatable, but they necessitate appropriate medical intervention. Treatment modalities depend on the disorder's type and severity, typically involving psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. For severe cases, a person may require counselling coupled with medication for up to six months to manage symptoms effectively, according to Dr Tilwe.

Dr Shetty recommends adopting healthy lifestyle practices such as maintaining proper sleep patterns, managing time efficiently, practicing breathing exercises, and meditation. He also advises reducing caffeine and smoking intake to alleviate symptoms.