What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a sensation of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes, such as increased blood pressure, and it is characterised by repeated obsessive thoughts or concerns¹.

According to the Singapore Mental Health Study, 1 in every 7 persons is affected by anxiety².

What are the different types of Anxiety Disorders?

There are several types of Anxiety, which include the following^3,5.

What are the causes of Anxiety?

Several factors that contribute to anxiety are:⁵

What are the symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety can be overwhelming for some people and interfere with their everyday lives. People with anxiety may display both physical and psychological symptoms, which include the following:^3,5

How is Anxiety diagnosed?

Anxiety requires a thorough assessment by a healthcare expert specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues.

Below are several diagnostic methods to evaluate an individual with anxiety:^6,7

What are the available treatments for Anxiety?

Anxiety can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the degree and underlying reasons of the anxiety. Some common anxiety therapies include:^3,5,8,9

How can Anxiety be prevented?

There are a variety of actions that can be taken to reduce anxiety. Here are some factual recommendations:^3,5,10

References

1. Anxiety. https://www.apa.org. Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety. Accessed on: 20 February 2023.

2. SMHS 2016_Media Release_FINAL_web upload.pdf. Available at: https://www.imh.com.sg/Newsroom/News-Releases/Documents/SMHS%202016_Media%20Release_FINAL_web%20upload.pdf. Accessed on: 20 February 2023.

3. Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders. Accessed on: 20 February 2023.

4. Ströhle A, Gensichen J, Domschke K. The diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018;115:611–620.

5. Clinical practice guidelines: Anxiety disorders 2015.pdf. Available at: https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider4/guidelines/cpg_anxiety-disorders-apr-2015—full-guidelines.pdf. Accessed on: 20 February 2023.

6. Diagnosis – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults. nhs.uk, 2021. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis/. Accessed on: 20 February 2023.

7. Understanding psychological testing and assessment. Available at: https://www.apa.org, https://www.apa.org/topics/testing-assessment-measurement/understanding. Accessed on: 20 February 2023.

8. Norelli SK, Long A, Krepps JM. Relaxation Techniques. StatPearls Publishing, 2022. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513238/. Accessed on: 21 February 2023.

9. Chen KW, Berger CC, Manheimer E, et al. Meditative therapies for reducing anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Depress Anxiety. 2012;29:545–562.

10. Healthy ways to handle life’s stressors. https://www.apa.org. Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/tips. Accessed on: 21 February 2023.

About Frontier Healthcare Group

Frontier Healthcare (as part of the Qualitas Primary Care Division) runs 18 GP clinics, 2 Family Medicine Clinics (Clementi and MacPherson) and has 37 affiliated GP clinics under its Frontier Primary Care Network Program. Frontier Healthcare supports national schemes such as the Community Health Assist Scheme (Pioneer, Merdeka, CHAS Green, CHAS Orange, CHAS Blue), Baby Bonus, Healthier SG, MBS@Gov etc, as well as partnerships with major Insurers, Corporates and TPA partners to bring quality and affordable healthcare closer to the community.