Obsessive compulsive and anxiety disorders week
26 October, 2000
Anxiety is a part of normal life. Most people feel anxious when facing a threat or a new challenge. An examination, job interview, important sporting contest, or meeting prospective parents-in-law can all produce normal anxiety.
Anxiety is abnormal when the amount of anxiety experienced is inappropriate for the situation. This abnormal anxiety may show itself as one of a group of illnesses, known as the anxiety disorders.
This week is Obsessive Compulsive and Anxiety Disorders Week (29 October-4 November) and according to the Director of the Victorian branch of the OCAD Foundation, Kathryn I’Anson, anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting about 10 per cent of the Australian population at some time in their lives.
From anxiety to recovery
‘The theme for this week is ‘the journey from anxiety to recovery’ and we want everyone to know that recovery from these disorders is possible with the right treatment and support,’ said Ms I’Anson.
‘In the general community there is some ignorance of these problems. Anxiety is part of living, but many sufferers are ashamed. They become secretive and try to hide their problems.’
‘Families and friends of sufferers also often feel confused and frustrated. They feel the person should be able to control their problem – they see the person continually washing hands for instance, and ask why they can’t just stop.’
How to get help
‘If you think you may have a problem, the most important thing is to get as much information on the disorders as you can - educating oneself is the beginning of recovery.’
‘Make contact with support groups who can put you in touch with others in the same situation. You will discover that you are not alone, this gives a lot of hope and support.’
‘Above all, find a professional with knowledge and expertise in the area of disorders,’ Ms I’Anson said.
Anxiety affects us in 2 ways. There is an effect on our minds, making us feel worried, interfering with our concentration and perhaps making sleep difficult. And there is an effect on our bodies, producing a wide range of physical symptoms. These can include a rapid pulse, dizzy turns, shaking, digestive upsets, sweatiness and a tendency to breathe too quickly—hyperventilation.
Anxiety disorders
Currently there are six recognised groups of anxiety disorders:
- obsessive compulsive disorder;
- panic disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia;
- social anxiety disorder;
- specific phobias;
- post traumatic stress disorder; and
- generalised anxiety disorder.
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) alone, affects more than 450,000 Australians. Sufferers from OCD are troubled by thoughts or actions or both. They may have persisting, unwanted, unpleasant and intrusive thoughts that they can't control and that won't go away. These thoughts are called obsessions.
They often take the form of feeling dirty, of having hurt someone, being to blame for something or having neglected to do something important. They make the person feel very anxious. These feelings are often accompanied by compulsions–repetitive acts performed over and over again to try and get rid of the anxiety.
These acts may take the form of going to wash or shower every few minutes, constantly going round the house checking that the doors and windows are closed, the lights turned off etc. The sufferer knows that this behaviour is illogical and unnecessary, but is unable to control it. Some severely affected people are unable to leave their house for even a short shopping trip as they feel the need to keep going back to check things.
Recovery
‘This week is important in raising the community’s awareness of these disorders. To let people know that there is hope and, with support and help, a real chance of recovery to lead a normal life,’ concluded Ms I’Anson.
Last Reviewed: 26 October 2000
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