Fears and phobias can have very different causes, which in combination can trigger the disease. These include family predisposition, early childhood experiences, traumatic experiences, stressful situations or various personality disorders. Anxiety and phobias can also be caused by organic diseases, for example diseases of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory tract, thyroid disorders or pathological changes in the brain’s nerves.
Clinical pictures
Rapid heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath – the symptoms of acute anxiety or panic attacks - are varied and usually last a few minutes to half an hour. Patients can either go to an emergency room with a psychiatric ambulance or try to help themselves with simple measures. These include breathing exercises, such as the 4-6-8 technique, in which they inhale for four seconds, hold the air for six seconds, and then exhale for eight seconds. Another self-help measure is not to suppress or control the feeling, but to accept the panic attack. It can also be helpful to look for a distraction, for example, to talk to people or to concentrate on a specific activity.
Although psychotherapy is considered to be the first choice in the treatment of anxiety disorders, in some cases medications can also be used. This is especially true if the affected persons are so severely impaired that psychotherapy in the first step is not possible or psychotherapy has not shown the desired success. In general, antidepressants are used to reduce anxiety and phobias, and to improve the mood of those affected relatively quickly. Benzodiazepines, also known as sedatives, offer another possibility. They can quickly resolve anxiety, but they are not a permanent solution and do not cure anxiety disorder. Medications are only given as part of a treatment and should never be taken without medical supervision.
Fears and phobias are serious mental illnesses that require professional help and treatment. The many different factors that can lead to a disease make it difficult for patients to identify the causes alone and to take effective countermeasures.
Among the different treatment methods, behavioural therapy has proved to be particularly promising. This can be supplemented by the administration of drugs, depending on the severity of the disease. A deep-psychological therapy, which is carried out by psychotherapists or psychiatrists, may also be appropriate in some patients.
In addition to professional treatment, regular exercise, exercise and a fundamentally healthy lifestyle have proved to be helpful. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation are equally beneficial.
Relatives and friends must first acknowledge and accept that a loved one is suffering from anxiety disorder – and that this is a mental illness. It is important to learn about the disease. This can be done through professional medical advice as well as through discussion with other affected persons.
Friends and family members can help people affected by listening to them and showing that they understand the situation. In no case should suffering be a cause for criticism, reproach or ridicule. It is important that sufferers see that they are not alone and are supported. It is equally important to encourage those affected to seek professional help or, in the extreme case, to initiate their own medical examination.