Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Classroom Strategies

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Anxiety disorders fall within the category of mental health issues. It is challenging to get through the day when one is anxious, which means that this type of disorder can be very disruptive to one’s life. Sweating and a fast heartbeat are symptoms, along with feelings of unease, panic, and terror. Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are forms of treatment most commonly used to treat this condition. The focus of this paper is on one of the most common types of anxiety disorder, which is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), characterized by a continuous feeling of fear or anxiety that might interfere with day-to-day activities.

GAD is not the same as occasionally worrying or feeling anxious as a result of demanding life situations. For months or perhaps years, people with GAD endure regular anxiety. Both children and adults can experience a generalized anxiety disorder. Although panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other forms of anxiety have some symptoms with generalized anxiety disorder, they are all distinct medical diseases (NIH, n.d.). It can be difficult to manage generalized anxiety disorder over the long run. It frequently co-occurs with other mood or anxiety disorders. With psychotherapy or medications, generalized anxiety disorder often gets better. Altering one’s way of life, developing coping mechanisms, and employing relaxation techniques can all be beneficial.

Symptoms of GAD might vary, and they may consist of: persistent anxiety or worry over a lot of things that are out of proportion to how the events have affected you. Additionally, considering plans and remedies for all potential worst-case scenarios and trouble handling ambiguity, and the tendency to see threats where none exist in situations and events is a sign of GAD (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Next, uncertainty and concern about choosing poorly. The inability to ignore or let go of concern and feeling tense or on edge, unable to unwind, and restless. The inability to focus or the sensation that one’s mind goes blank are also signs of this disorder.

The etiology of GAD is complex and is linked to several factors, including genetics. Generalized anxiety disorder is likely caused by a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, as is the case with many mental health illnesses. These causes may include variations in the chemistry and function of the brain. Genetics or variations in how threats are viewed are another possible cause (ADAA, n.d.). GAD is diagnosed when a person exhibits three or more symptoms and finds it difficult to control worry on more days than not for at least six months. This distinguishes GAD from worry that may be particular to a particular stressor event for a shorter duration. 6.8 million adult Americans, or 3.1% of the country’s population, struggle with GAD each year (John Hopkins Medicine, n.d.). Two times as many women are likely to be impacted. The illness develops gradually and can start at any stage of life; however, the risk is greatest from childhood through middle age. There is evidence that biological variables, a person’s family history, and life experiences—particularly stressful ones—play a part in the development of GAD, even though its exact etiology is unknown.

As a teacher, it is important to understand that GAD can seriously undermine the performance of the student and cause them negative thoughts. Any educator’s top priority is to create a learning-friendly environment in the classroom. Additionally, even though there is a national increase in mental health awareness, it can be challenging to spot pupils who may be experiencing mental health issues like anxiety (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). It is critical to comprehend what anxiety looks like and to develop helpful, successful classroom methods for assisting pupils who battle with it, whether or not they have been diagnosed. For example, removing distractions, such as bright colors or loud sounds, can help children with GAD. Also, giving clear instructions about the expectations is another classroom modification that can help.

In summary, GAD is a continuous feeling of fear or anxiety that might interfere with day-to-day activities. Sweating and a fast heartbeat are symptoms, along with feelings of unease, panic, and terror. Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are most commonly used to treat this condition. 6.8 million adult Americans struggle with GAD, or 3.1% of the population, each year. GAD can seriously undermine the performance of a student and cause them negative thoughts. It can be challenging to spot pupils who may be experiencing mental health issues like anxiety.