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Anxiety disorders manifest as a heightened sense of fear and multiple physical symptoms (sweaty palms, dry mouth, tremors, palpitations, restlessness). These are physiologically induced by an increase in circulating adrenaline. Overbreathing (hyperventilation) often occurs, and may cause dizziness or fainting. With pathological anxiety, the fear is disproportionate to the cause, or is unfocused and free-floating, and may produce an intense feeling of apprehension, impending danger or catastrophe, panic, phobia, or a sense of depersonalisation.
Pathological anxiety may be present alone or be associated with another psychiatric disorder, especially with depression or schizophrenia.
The nonpharmacological (nonmedicated) management of anxiety aims to provide information, reassurance and relaxation in a nonstressful environment in which the client can ventilate feelings. Warn the client to slow the breathing rate to about 14 shallow breaths per minute (one breath every 4 seconds) if hyperventilation (overbreathing) is noticed. Rebreathing into and out of a paper bag will safely assist this process by raising carbon dioxide levels. Simple information about the nature of anxiety, and the symptoms it produces, is helpful in itself. Muscle relaxation exercises, if practised regularly, will help the sufferer to achieve lower general anxiety levels.