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Anxiety
Women's Health Information Package
Definition
Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling we all experience from time to time. Life events such as the death of a loved one, change of job or moving house often produce periods of uncertainty and "worry". Immediate anxiety response of our "fight & flight" nervous system may be experienced in response to events such as sitting an exam, performing in public, or being confronted by a threat to our physical safety. Anxiety produces symptoms such as increased heart rate and breathing, dry mouth, increased muscle tension, and flushed clammy skin. They are a normal part of our "fight or flight" self-preservation mechanism when alerted to real danger or threat.
Anxiety Disorders are the development of these and other symptoms in the absence of real danger or threat. Symptoms occur with varying frequency and intensity but may include all of those listed above as well as trembling, chest pain, nausea, and fear. You may fear you are going crazy or dying. Some people may also have a sense of being detached from reality. Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental health concern in Australia. There are almost twice as many women diagnosed as men. Anxiety disorders can occur at any age. Children, adolescents, adults and older people may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
The good news is anxiety disorders are treatable. For any age group, a variety of successful treatment options are available. We hope this information package supports and encourages you to find the assistance that best meets your needs.
The diagnosis of anxiety disorder may fall into one of the following groups:
- Panic disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Specific phobias
- Anxiety disorder in childhood and adolescence including separation anxiety
About
the information resources
The resources on anxiety contained in this information package were compiled following an extensive search of Women's Health Victoria's (WHV) Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. The resources contain general information relating to anxiety disorders, as well as specific information on panic disorder, social anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder. A selection of resources covering specific situations and treatment options has been included, as have some useful Web addresses and a list of community resources.
Included are details of relevant books, journal articles, audiotapes, booklets and web sites that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian situation. A social model of health and feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. Some resources include women's personal experiences.
All of these resources and a range of others (not listed here) covering many topics from both medical and alternative therapy perspectives are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre.
Women's Health Victoria would like to thank Dr Ruth Vine, Director Mental Health, Department of Human Services, who reviewed and contributed to this women's health information package.
A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is available here.
General
information
1. ADAVIC anxiety survival guide
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria. Kew, Victoria : Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria, 2004
Book produced by a non-profit community education and support organisation. The book has short introductory chapters on different types of anxiety written by health professionals or sufferers/survivors of anxiety. It also lists other organisations, web sites and further reading material on the subject.
2. Living it up: the advanced survivor's guide to anxiety-free living
Aisbett, Bev. Sydney : Angus and Robertson, 2003
Consumer focused self-help book dealing with anxiety in its many forms. Simple explanations with illustrations and humour make this easy to read.
3. Anxiety disorders
Braun, K. Spring Hill, Queensland : Women's Health Queensland Wide, 2002
Full text article available here.
This fact sheet is well written in user-friendly language. It offers a variety of management options including medical, complementary therapies and self-help approaches. It includes a personal story. The style of writing makes it useful for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For further investigation, readers might find the listed references and resources helpful.
4. Anxiety
Miller, E. Women's Health Matters, February 2000; 6-10
Consumer based information written from a self-help perspective that covers the breadth of anxiety discussion. It encompasses medical, social and complementary therapy approaches whilst incorporating a feminist perspective.
NB. The re-breathing technique: using a paper bag for a hyperventilating person described in this article, is not recommended by emergency medical services now.
5. Difficult personalities: a practical guide to managing the hurtful behaviour of others (and maybe your own)
McGrath, H. & Edwards, H. Marrickville, NSW : Choice Books, 2000
This book has three chapters discussing anxiety. From the anxious personality through to the various types of anxiety disorders, this book offers management strategies for both those living with an anxiety disorder and those who are close to someone who is. It also offers a list of references.
Panic disorder
6. Living with it: a survivor's guide to panic attacks
Aisbett, Bev. Sydney : Angus and Robertson, 1993
Consumer-focused book dealing specifically with panic attacks. Simple explanations and self-help exercises combined with illustrations and humour make this easy to read.
7. Panic anxiety: taking back the power
Fox, B. Fullarton, SA : Panic Anxiety Education Management Services, 1997
An excellent, locally produced audiotape covers a broad spectrum of anxiety disorders in a relaxed easy listening style. The clearly spoken audio format means that this resource will be especially useful for the visually impaired and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
8. Power over panic : freedom from panic/anxiety related disorders
Fox, B. South Melbourne : Addison Wesley Longman, 1997
'Power over panic' is the companion book to the 'Panic anxiety: taking back the power' audiotape. The book provides a number of case histories and a comprehensive discussion across the issue. It is primarily written as a self-help guide but also incorporates other management methods.
9. Panic attacks
Greenslade, D. WellComing Women's Health Service Newsletter, September 1999; 6-9
A well-written informative article on panic attacks. Discusses how attacks may present and the management options available. Also includes a few brief but helpful personal stories.
Social anxiety disorder
11. Overcoming shyness and social phobia: a step by step guide
Rapee, R. M. Lifestyle Press, 1998
A clearly written book that encourages individual motivation and gives practical advice on techniques to use in overcoming shyness and social phobia.
12. How to treat: social phobia
Lampe, Lisa A. Australian Doctor, 21 May 2004; 35-42
Written by a doctor and aimed at health professionals this article provides in-depth definitions, statistics and treatment options.
Generalised anxiety disorder
13. Anxiety disorder: extracts from 'Clinical evidence'
Gale, C. & Oakley-Browne, M. British Medical Journal, 11 November 2000; 321:1204-1207
Full text available here.
This article contains a clear definition and description of generalised anxiety disorder. Though aimed at the health professional, it will provide the consumer with a clear discussion of the evidence associated with treatment options, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the use of medication.
Management options
14. Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety disorders
Jorm, Anthony F., Christensen, Helen, Griffiths, Kathleen M., et al. Medical Journal of Australia, 4 October 2004; 181(7) supplement:S29-S46
This article, written for a medical journal, provides a summary of the evidence or lack thereof for some proposed anxiety treatments. This may be of assistance to a consumer wishing to discuss management options with their health professional.
15. Hidden fears: self help for anxiety and phobias
Franks, H. London : Headline, 1996
This detailed, consumer oriented self-help guide is a very easy read and covers a broad range of management ideas for a variety of anxiety disorders.
16. Slow breathing to control panic
In: Page, A. Don't panic: anxiety, phobias and tension, Sydney : ACP Publications, 2002; (Women's Weekly Health Series): 29-37
The description of the slow breathing technique in this book is easy to follow and may prove useful if you experience hyperventilation/ panic attacks.
17. With a little help: choosing and assessing mental health therapists
Saltman, D. Marrickville, NSW : Choice Books, 1996
An Australian guide to choosing the therapist who can best meet your needs.
18. Cognitive behaviour therapy: good for everyone?
Mitchell, Natasha. Auseinetter, April 2004; 20:28-31
Short article in question and answer format with clinicians discussing counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy. Looks at the research and effectiveness of this therapy. Includes some individual's stories.
Specific situations and populations
19. Promoting women's mental health: the challenges of intimate/domestic violence against women
Taft, A. Australian Domestic & Family Violence Clearinghouse Issues Paper No 8, 2003
Full text available here.
"This Issues Paper draws on the most recent evidence to explore the impact of intimate partner abuse on women's mental health." (Taft 2003) It demonstrates the overwhelming experience of "flashback" panic attacks and the generalised anxiety experienced by women victims/survivors.
20. Helping your anxious child: a step-by-step guide for parents
Rapee, R.M., Spence, S.H., Cobham, V. & Wignall, A. Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications, 2000
An Australian publication, this book looks at the issue of social phobia in children and adolescents. It offers practical options to parents for supporting their children.
21. Coping with anxiety during withdrawal
Reconnexion Inc Australia. Glen Iris, Vic : TRANX Inc Australia, [2003]
Full text available here.
This article offers insight and coping strategies to those withdrawing from benzodiazepine tranquillisers whilst experiencing symptoms of their disorder.
22. Third culture personalities and the integration of refugees into the community: some reflections from general practice
Benson, Jill. GP Migrant Health Service, Adelaide & Medical Director of Parklands Medical Practice, Adelaide Cannabis use and mental health in young people, 2003
Full text available here.
Written by a general practitioner with considerable experience in working with refugees, this article highlights the mental health struggles for refugees. It reflects the need for flexibility and understanding in developing mental health care for this group.
Web sites
The following is a list of additional resources for information and support.
23. Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria
24. Anxiety Network Australia
25. Panic and Anxiety Disorder Assistance (VIC)
26. The Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD)
27. The Panic Anxiety Disorder Association Inc
28. Tranquiliser Recovery and New Existence
29. Social Anxiety Australia
30. Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria
31. Beyondblue
32. Mental Health Foundation of Australia
Some services available in Victoria
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Some General Practitioners (GPs) offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. GPs have the ability to refer a consumer to Primary Mental Health Team (allocated to a geographical area). This team is free of charge and offers assessment, up to six sessions with a psychologist, and then referral to an appropriate service.
- Some GPs have undertaken the training to be a provider for the Commonwealth Government Initiative known as Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Initiative. This referral can provide six to twelve sessions with a clinical psychologist free of charge.
- Your GP may be able to locate a clinical psychologist in private practice who specialises in the management of anxiety disorders. This service will NOT be free, though some may be covered under private health insurance.
For information, support groups or a recommendation of a clinical psychologist go to any of the Web addresses listed above or contact them as follows:
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
Fairfield Place
276 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield
Victoria 3078
Phone: 03 8486 4200
Facsimile: 03 8486 4265
Email: enquiries@mifellowship.org
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria (ADAVIC)
P.O. Box 625, Kew
Victoria 3101
Phone/Fax: 9853 8089
Email: adavic@adavic.org
Panic and Anxiety Disorders Assistance
222 Burke Road, Glen Iris
Victoria 3146
Phone: 9886 9400
Facsimile: 9886 0650
Email: info@pada.org.au
Languages other than English
If you are looking for information on a variety of health topics in languages other than English try searching:
Free Internet access locations
Locations of free internet access terminals across Victoria are available through this web site:
http://www.internet-access.vic.gov.au
Resources reviewed February 2005
For details on how to locate any of this information or to confidentially discuss any of this information, contact your local Women’s Health Service or the RWH Women's Health Information Centre phone line, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on (03) 9344 2007;
Country Callers: 1800 442 007; or email.
Health professionals and other service providers wishing to access the services of the WHV Clearinghouse contact us by phone:
(03) 9662 3755, fax: (03) 9663 7955; or email.
Other resource information on various health topics can be accessed via the Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Online access is available here.
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US
We would encourage you to take a moment to email
our Health Information Officer at clearinghouse@whv.org.au
and let us know:
- if you found this information useful
- if you have read any of the books or pamphlets
listed
- if, after reading our women's health information packages, you would try to find any of the books or
articles listed
OR
- if you have read anything on a particular topic
not included in our women's health information packages
that you think should be included.
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