Your Health, Our Priority

Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry, fear, or unease. It goes beyond the normal feelings of nervousness or apprehension that people may experience in certain situations.

To screen for anxiety, a widely used tool is the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). It consists of seven questions that measure the severity of anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. The GAD-7 questionnaire can be self-administered and completed in just a few minutes.

The scoring is as follows:

• 0 to 4: Minimal anxiety
• 5 to 9: Mild anxiety
• 10 to 14: Moderate anxiety
• 15 to 21: Severe anxiety

It's important to note that screening tools like the GAD-7 are not definitive diagnostic tools but serve as an initial screening to identify potential anxiety symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation by competent MD is necessary for a proper diagnosis.

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) consists of seven questions that assess the severity of anxiety symptoms. The questions are:

1.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge?

2.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by not being able to stop or control worrying?

3.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by worrying too much about different things?

4.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having trouble relaxing?

5.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by being so restless that it is hard to sit still?

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6.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by becoming easily annoyed or irritable?

7.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen?

IMPACT ON YOUR HEALTH

Anxiety can have a significant impact on various aspects of your health, including:

1.  Mental Health: Anxiety is a mental health condition that affects your emotional well-being. It can cause persistent feelings of worry, fear, or unease, making it difficult to relax or find relief from distressing thoughts. Anxiety can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of impending doom. It may also contribute to the development or exacerbation of other mental health disorders, such as depression or panic disorder.

2.  Physical Health: Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms that can have a direct impact on your overall health. It may cause muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, and gastrointestinal issues. Long-term anxiety can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Additionally, anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and reduced energy levels.

3.  Cardiovascular Health: Prolonged or chronic anxiety can contribute to cardiovascular problems. It can lead to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, these physiological responses can strain the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.

4.  Respiratory Health: Anxiety can impact your breathing patterns and contribute to respiratory issues. It may cause rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or hyperventilation. In individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, anxiety can trigger or worsen symptoms, making it harder to breathe.

5.  Sleep Disturbances: Anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia or other sleep disorders. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless and non-restorative sleep can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Lack of quality sleep can further exacerbate anxiety symptoms and create a cycle of sleep disturbances and increased anxiety.

6.  Impact on Daily Functioning: Anxiety can interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks, maintain concentration, and fulfill responsibilities. It may lead to reduced productivity, difficulties in decision-making, and impaired social functioning. Anxiety can also affect your relationships, as it may cause irritability, withdrawal, or avoidance of social situations.

7.  Impact on Quality of Life: Living with anxiety can significantly impact your overall quality of life. It may limit your ability to engage in activities you enjoy, maintain healthy relationships, and pursue personal goals. Anxiety can create a constant sense of distress and hinder your ability to experience joy, relaxation, and fulfillment.