Anxiety disorders FACT SHEET 21 Â
An anxiety disorder involves more than just feeling stressed – it’s a serious illness. People with anxiety disorders find it hard to function every day.
HOW COMMON ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS? Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in Australia. Nearly one in seven people will experience some type of anxiety disorder in any one year – around one in six women and one in 10 men. One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage of their lives.1
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD involves feeling anxious on most days over a long period of time. A person may have GAD if, for SIX MONTHS or more, on more days than not, they have: s FELT VERY WORRIED
â—? YES â—? NO
s FOUND IT HARD TO STOP WORRYING
â—? YES â—? NO
s FOUND THAT THEIR ANXIETY MADE IT DIFlCULT FOR them to carry out everyday activities (e.g. work, study, seeing friends and family).
â—? YES â—? NO
If the person answered ‘YES’ to ALL of these questions have they also experienced THREE or more of the following: s FELT RESTLESS OR ON EDGE
â—? YES â—? NO
WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY DISORDERS?
s FELT TIRED EASILY
â—? YES â—? NO
Combinations of factors are believed to trigger anxiety disorders. These include:
s HAD DIFlCULTY CONCENTRATING
â—? YES â—? NO
s FELT IRRITABLE
â—? YES â—? NO
s HAD MUSCLE PAIN E G SORE JAW OR BACK
â—? YES â—? NO
s HAD TROUBLE SLEEPING E G DIFlCULTY FALLING or staying asleep or restless sleep).
â—? YES â—? NO
s A FAMILY HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS s STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS s ONGOING PHYSICAL ILLNESS
Specific Phobia
s PERSONALITY FACTORS
TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS, THEIR SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS There are many types of anxiety disorders with a range of signs and symptoms.
Social Phobia A person with Social Phobia has an intense fear of criticism, being embarrassed or humiliated, even in everyday situations. For example, public speaking, eating in public, being assertive at work or making small talk. A person may have Social Phobia if: s HE SHE HAS A FEAR OF ONE OR MORE SOCIAL or performance situations where they may be criticised
â—? YES â—? NO
s THE SITUATION IS AVOIDED OR ENDURED WITH anxiety and distress
â—? YES â—? NO
3PECIlC 0HOBIAS CAUSE A PERSON TO FEEL VERY FEARFUL ABOUT PARTICULAR OBJECTS OR SITUATIONS ! PERSON MAY HAVE A 3PECIlC Phobia if they have: s FELT VERY NERVOUS WHEN FACED WITH A SPECIlC OBJECT or situation e.g.: – flying on an aeroplane
â—? YES â—? NO
– going near an animal
â—? YES â—? NO
n RECEIVING AN INJECTION
â—? YES â—? NO
s AVOIDED A SITUATION THAT MIGHT CAUSE THE PERSON TO FACE THE 3PECIlC 0HOBIA E G – needed to change work patterns
â—? YES â—? NO
– not getting health check-ups
â—? YES â—? NO
s FOUND IT HARD TO GO ABOUT DAILY LIFE E G WORKING studying or seeing friends and family) because the person is trying to avoid such situations. â—? YES â—? NO
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
s THE ANXIETY INTERFERES WITH NORMAL ROUTINE working life, social functioning, or the person is distressed about the problem
â—? YES â—? NO
s THE FEAR IS IDENTIlED AS UNREASONABLE
â—? YES â—? NO
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/#$ OCCURS WHEN PEOPLE HAVE ONGOING UNWANTED INTRUSIVE thoughts and fears that cause anxiety – often called obsessions. These obsessions make people feel they need to carry out certain rituals in order to feel less anxious and these are known as compulsions. A person may have OCD if they have:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008). 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results (4326.0). Canberra: ABS.
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Anxiety disorders FACT SHEET 21 Â s REPETITIVE THOUGHTS OR CONCERNS THAT ARE NOT ABOUT real life problems (e.g. thoughts that the person or people close to them will be harmed) â—? YES â—? NO
AND experienced at least TWO of the following:
s PERFORMED THE SAME ACTIVITY REPEATEDLY AND IN A VERY ORDERED precise and similar way each time e.g.:
s BECOME ANGRY OR IRRITATED EASILY
â—? YES â—? NO
s HAD TROUBLE CONCENTRATING
â—? YES â—? NO
s FELT ON GUARD
â—? YES â—? NO
s BEEN EASILY STARTLED
â—? YES â—? NO
– constantly washing hands or clothes, showering or brushing teeth
â—? YES â—? NO
– constantly cleaning, tidying or rearranging in a particular way things at home, at work or in the car
â—? YES â—? NO
– constantly checking that doors and windows ARE LOCKED AND OR APPLIANCES ARE TURNED OFF
â—? YES â—? NO
s FELT RELIEVED IN THE SHORT TERM BY DOING THESE things, but soon felt the need to repeat them
â—? YES â—? NO
s RECOGNISED THAT THESE FEELINGS THOUGHTS and behaviour patterns are unreasonable
â—? YES â—? NO
s FOUND THAT THESE THOUGHTS OR BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS take up more than 1 hour a day AND OR INTERFERED with the person’s normal routine (e.g. working, studying or seeing friends and family). � YES � NO
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) PTSD involves experiencing bursts of anxiety that occur after a PERSON HAS A MAJOR EMOTIONAL SHOCK FOLLOWING A STRESSFUL EVENT i.e. a trauma. 4HE PERSON COULD BE EXPERIENCING 043$ IF HE SHE HAS
s HAD DIFlCULTY SLEEPING E G HAD BAD DREAMS OR found it hard to fall or stay asleep) â—? YES â—? NO
Panic Disorder
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Panic Disorder involves having panic attacks frequently. Panic attacks are intense feelings of anxiety that seem like they cannot be brought under control. A person may have Panic Disorder if within a 10 MINUTE PERIOD HE SHE FELT FOUR OR MORE of the following: s SWEATY
â—? YES â—? NO
s SHAKY
â—? YES â—? NO
s INCREASED HEART RATE
â—? YES â—? NO
s SHORT OF BREATH
â—? YES â—? NO
s CHOKED
â—? YES â—? NO
s NAUSEOUS OR PAIN IN THE STOMACH
â—? YES â—? NO
s DIZZY LIGHTHEADED OR FAINT
â—? YES â—? NO
s NUMB OR TINGLY
â—? YES â—? NO
s DETACHED FROM THEMSELVES OR THEIR surroundings
â—? YES â—? NO
s HOT OR COLD mUSHES
â—? YES â—? NO
s AFRAID OF GOING CRAZY
â—? YES â—? NO â—? YES â—? NO
s EXPERIENCED OR SEEN SOMETHING THAT INVOLVED DEATH INJURY TORTURE OR ABUSE AND FELT VERY frightened or helpless
â—? YES â—? NO
s AFRAID OF DYING
s HAD UPSETTING MEMORIES OR DREAMS OF the event for at least ONE month
â—? YES â—? NO
If the person answered ‘YES’ to ALL of these questions, has the person also:
s FOUND IT HARD TO GO ABOUT DAILY LIFE E G DIFlCULTY WORKING STUDYING OR getting along with family and friends).
â—? YES â—? NO
If the answer was ‘YES’ to ALL of these questions and the person has also experienced at least THREE of the following:
s FELT SCARED FOR ONE MONTH OR MORE, of experiencing these feelings again
â—? YES â—? NO
s DISPLAYED CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR THAT RELATE to Panic Attacks e.g. avoiding exercise
â—? YES â—? NO
s BECOME WORRIED ABOUT CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING Panic Attacks, or their health (e.g. frequent â—? YES â—? NO medical checks).
s AVOIDED ACTIVITIES THAT ARE A REMINDER OF the event
â—? YES â—? NO
s HAD TROUBLE REMEMBERING PARTS OF THE EVENT
â—? YES â—? NO
s FELT LESS INTERESTED IN DOING THINGS THEY USED TO ENJOY
It is important to note that many people with anxiety disorders experience symptoms of more than one type of anxiety disorder.
â—? YES â—? NO
It is also important to note that these checklists provide only a rough guide as to whether someone has an anxiety disorder. For a full diagnosis, it is important to see a doctor.
s HAD TROUBLE FEELING INTENSELY POSITIVE EMOTIONS (e.g. love or excitement) â—? YES â—? NO s THOUGHT LESS ABOUT THE FUTURE (e.g. about career or family goals).
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â—? YES â—? NO
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HOW ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS TREATED?
HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH AN ANXIETY DISORDER
There are several types of treatment available.
s ,ET THE PERSON KNOW IF YOU VE NOTICED A CHANGE IN THEIR BEHAVIOUR
Psychological treatment
s 3PEND TIME TALKING ABOUT THE PERSON S EXPERIENCES AND LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU RE THERE TO LISTEN WITHOUT BEING JUDGMENTAL
Psychological treatment may not only help a person to recover, but can also help to prevent a recurrence of anxiety. Generally, it has been found to be the most effective way of treating anxiety disorders. Psychological treatment can help a person to change their thought patterns and the way they react to certain situations. This can help their recovery and prevent the illness returning. Psychological therapy is usually administered by a psychologist, a psychiatrist or other mental health worker.
Medication 7HILE PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT IS GENERALLY THE lRST CHOICE FOR treating anxiety disorders, medical treatment can also be very helpful. Some types of antidepressants can be helpful for the management of anxiety disorders. For more details on which medications are effective for symptoms of anxiety disorders visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call the beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 (local call). Benzodiazepines: These anti-anxiety and sedative drugs are commonly used to relieve anxiety and slow down racing thoughts. They are, however, addictive and so are only useful for a short period of time (two or three weeks) or if used intermittently. See www.reconnexion.org.au for more INFORMATION ABOUT "ENZODIAZEPINES OR TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY DISORDER s 0OSTPONE MAJOR LIFE CHANGES s 2ESOLVE PERSONAL CONmICTS AS THEY ARISE s 4AKE PART IN ENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES s 3EEK HELP FROM A DOCTOR OR OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONAL s 0RACTISE BREATHING AND MUSCLE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES s &IND OUT MORE ABOUT ANXIETY DISORDERS s %STABLISH GOOD SLEEPING PATTERNS s %XERCISE REGULARLY s 2EDUCE ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS AS WELL AS AVOID STIMULANTS such as sugar and caffeine.
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s 3UGGEST THE PERSON SEES A DOCTOR OR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AND or assist the person to make an appointment with a doctor or health professional. s 'O WITH THE PERSON TO THE DOCTOR OR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL s (ELP THE PERSON TO lND INFORMATION ABOUT ANXIETY s %NCOURAGE THE PERSON TO TRY TO GET ENOUGH SLEEP EXERCISE EAT well and use self-help strategies. s )NVITE THE PERSON OUT AND KEEP IN TOUCH !LSO ENCOURAGE FRIENDS and family members to do the same, but don’t pressure the person to participate. s %NCOURAGE THE PERSON TO FACE THEIR FEARS WITH SUPPORT FROM THEIR DOCTOR PSYCHOLOGIST s #ONTACT A DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL IF THE PERSON BECOMES A THREAT TO themselves or others.
WHERE TO GET HELP
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A General Practitioner (GP) is a good person with whom TO DISCUSS YOUR CONCERNS IN THE lRST INSTANCE 9OUR '0 WILL be able to conduct or arrange any necessary medical tests, provide treatment or refer you to a mental health professional. It is recommended that you go to your regular GP or another GP in the same clinic as they will have access to your medical lLE )F YOU DON T HAVE A REGULAR '0 OR CLINIC A LIST OF '0S WITH expertise in treating common mental health problems is available at www.beyondblue.org.au – click Find a Doctor or other -ENTAL (EALTH 0RACTITIONER or call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636 (local call cost from a landline). Psychologists CAN ASSIST PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING DIFlCULTY controlling their emotions, thinking and behaviour. Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness such as depression, anxiety and related disorders. Psychiatrists are doctors who have undergone specialist training to treat all mental disorders. They can make medical and psychological assessments, conduct medical tests and prescribe medication. Depending on their expertise and type of practice, they can also provide psychological treatments such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). Some have particular areas of speciality. If you would like a consultation with a psychiatrist, you will need a referral from your GP.
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Anxiety disorders FACT SHEET 21  Mental health nurses are specially trained to care for people with mental health problems such a depression, anxiety and related disorders. They work with psychiatrists and General Practitioners to review a person’s mental health, monitor medication and provide information about mental health problems and treatment. Some have training in psychological therapies. If you would like a referral to a mental health nurse who works in a general practice, ask your GP. Social workers in mental health are specially trained to WORK WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING DIFlCULTIES IN LIFE 3OCIAL workers can support people with depression, anxiety and related DISORDERS BY HELPING THEM lND WAYS TO MANAGE MORE EFFECTIVELY some of the situations that trigger these disorders such as family ISSUES lNANCIAL PROBLEMS WORK STRESS AND LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Mental health social workers can also provide focused psychological self-help strategies. Occupational therapists in mental health help people who HAVE DIFlCULTIES FUNCTIONING BECAUSE OF A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS (such as anxiety or depression) to participate in normal, everyday activities. Mental health occupational therapists can also provide focused psychological self-help strategies. For a list of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and occupational therapists with expertise in treating mental health problems, visit www.beyondblue.org.au and click Find a $OCTOR OR OTHER -ENTAL (EALTH 0RACTITIONER or call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636 (local call cost from a landline).
MORE INFORMATION beyondblue: the national depression initiative www.beyondblue.org.au beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 Information on depression, anxiety and related disorders, available treatments and where to get help www.youthbeyondblue.com beyondblue’s website for young people – information on depression, anxiety and how to help a friend
Lifeline 13 11 14 Counselling, information and referral (local call)
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Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria  www.arcvic.com.au Information about anxiety disorders, their management and links to other services
ADAVIC (The Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria) www.adavic.org.au Information about Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Agoraphobia, Generalised Anxiety and Depression, and support services
CRUfAD www.crufad.org Information and internet-based education and treatment programs for people with depression or anxiety
RECONNEXION
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www.reconnexion.org.au Psychology services for people experiencing anxiety or depression and tranquilliser dependency
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E-couch
www.ecouch.anu.edu.au Evidence-based information and strategies for dealing with anxiety disorders
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FearDrop
www.feardrop.com /NLINE EXPOSURE THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH 3PECIlC 0HOBIAS
Moodgym www.moodgym.anu.edu.au Online psychological therapy
Virtual Clinic
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www.virtualclinic.org.au Internet-based education and treatment programs for people with anxiety and depression
Anxiety Online
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www.anxietyonline.org.au Information and virtual treatment clinic for people with anxiety disorders
Other beyondblue anxiety fact sheets available: beyondblue Fact sheet 31 – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder beyondblue Fact sheet 35 – Generalised Anxiety Disorder beyondblue Fact sheet 36 – Panic Disorder
beyondblue: the national depression initiative Info line 1300 22 4636 or infoline@beyondblue.org.au www.beyondblue.org.au ÂĽ "EYOND "LUE ,TD
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beyondblue &ACT SHEET n 3PECIlC 0HOBIAS beyondblue Fact sheet 39 – Social Phobia beyondblue Booklet – A Guide to What Works for Anxiety Disorders
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beyondblue Fact sheet 37 – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Understanding depression INFORMATION FOR ADULTS
Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious illness. People with depression find it hard to function every day. Depression has serious effects on physical and mental health. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A PERSON IS DEPRESSED AND NOT JUST SAD? A person may be depressed, if for more than two weeks they have: • felt sad, down or miserable most of the time OR • lost interest or pleasure in most of their usual activities. AND experienced a number of these symptoms:
Physical
! Tired all the time
! Sick and run down
! Headaches and muscle pains ! Churning gut
! Sleep problems
! Loss or change of appetite
! Significant weight loss or gain
In most cases, depression will go on for weeks or months if left untreated. If it isn’t properly treated, depression is highly likely to recur.
WHAT MAKES A PERSON MORE AT RISK OF DEPRESSION?
Behaviour
Some events or situations have been linked with depression:
! Not getting things done at work
• • • • • • •
! Stopping going out
! Withdrawing from close family and friends ! Relying on alcohol and sedatives
! No longer doing things they enjoyed ! Unable to concentrate
Thoughts ! “I’m a failure.” ! “It’s my fault.”
! “Nothing good ever happens to me.” ! “I’m worthless.”
! “Life’s not worth living.”
Feelings ! Overwhelmed ! Guilty
family conflict isolation or loneliness unemployment having a serious medical illness drug and alcohol use changes in the brain having a family member with depression.
It’s important to remember that each person is different and it is often a combination of factors that puts a person at risk of depression.
HOW COMMON IS DEPRESSION? Very common. Around one million Australian adults and 160,000 young people live with depression each year. On average, one in five females and one in eight males will experience depression in their lifetime.1
! Irritable
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION?
! No confidence
Depression is often not recognised or treated.
! Frustrated ! Unhappy
! Indecisive
! Disappointed ! Miserable
Different types of depression require different types of treatments. This may include physical exercise for preventing and treating mild depression, through to psychological and drug treatments for more severe levels of depression.
! Sad
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008). 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results (4326.0). Canberra: ABS.
For more information
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Understanding depression INFORMATION FOR ADULTS
PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS Psychological treatments deal with problems that particularly affect people with depression, such as changing negative patterns of thinking or sorting out relationship difficulties. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps to correct negative thought patterns. CBT is a structured program which recognises that the way people think affects the way they feel. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured program with a specific focus on improving relationships. Psychological treatments can help to: • change negative thoughts and feelings • encourage the person to get involved in activities • speed the person’s recovery
doctor or psychologist. Visit www.beyondblue.org.au and click on Get Help. With the right treatment, most people recover from depression. Delaying treatments may delay recovery.
YOU CAN HELP SOMEONE BY: • assisting them to get information from a website or library • suggesting they go to a doctor or health professional • assisting them to make an appointment • accompanying them to their appointment with a doctor or health professional • following them up after the appointment • encouraging or getting them involved in social activities • discouraging them from treating themselves with alcohol or other drugs.
• prevent depression from recurring • identify ways to manage the illness and stay well.
IT WOULD BE UNHELPFUL TO:
MEDICATIONS
• put pressure on them by telling them to ‘snap out of it’ or ‘get their act together’
People who are depressed often feel physically unwell.
• stay away or avoid them
Antidepressant drug treatments can relieve the physical symptoms of depression as well as the mood symptoms.
• tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more
Drug treatments for depression are not addictive. Many people worry about the potential side-effects of antidepressant medication. It’s important to know that when depression isn’t treated effectively, physical health often gets worse.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO FIND A TREATMENT THAT WORKS. There is a range of treatments that are proven to work. Each person needs to find the treatment that’s right for them. Often a combination of treatment approaches is most useful.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP? People with depression can often find it difficult to take the first step in seeking help. They may need to get help with the support of their family, friends and/or health professional e.g. a © beyondblue: the national depression initiative, 2009. PO Box 6100, Hawthorn West VIC 3122 T: (03) 9810 6100 beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 F: (03) 9810 6111 E: bb@beyondblue.org.au W: www.beyondblue.org.au
For more information
• pressure them to party more or wipe out how they’re feeling with drugs and alcohol. If you or someone you know needs help, talk to your family doctor or another health professional about getting appropriate treatment.
RECOMMENDED DEPRESSION WEBSITES www.beyondblue.org.au Information on depression, anxiety and related disorders, available treatments and where to get help www.youthbeyondblue.com beyondblue’s website for young people
www.crufad.org Information and internet-based education and treatment programs for people with depression or anxiety www.blackdoginstitute.org.au Information about depression and bipolar disorder www.mmha.org.au Mental health information for people from culturally diverse backgrounds www.headspace.org.au Information, support and services for young people aged 12 to 25
www.beyondblue.org.au or beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636
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Reducing alcohol and other drugs FACT SHEET 9 Â
Sometimes people use alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and other drugs to deal with their problems and feelings. These substances can cause long-term problems. Most illegal drugs and alcohol interfere with the effects of prescribed antidepressant drugs. If you’ve been drinking large amounts of alcohol or taking other drugs, tell your doctor so you can get the appropriate treatment. Your doctor can also help you make a plan to stop smoking cigarettes. This is important as cigarette smoking has negative effects on both your physical and mental health.
s )T S IMPORTANT TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU DEVELOP SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY WHEN YOU TRY TO QUIT SMOKING
SMOKING MARIJUANA s -ARIJUANA MAY CAUSE DEPRESSION ACUTE PANIC ATTACKS OR ONGOING ANXIETY EVEN IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER PREVIOUSLY SHOWN SIGNS OF HAVING THE ILLNESS s 4HERE IS NO KNOWN @SAFE LEVEL OF MARIJUANA USE
THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF AMPHETAMINES (SPEED), ECSTASY AND OTHER ILLEGAL DRUGS -ANY PEOPLE USE ILLEGAL DRUGS TO DEAL WITH THEIR DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY BUT s THE EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS MAY INCREASE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
DRINKING ALCOHOL
s A HIGH PROPORTION OF PEOPLE WHO USE AMPHETAMINES AND RELATED DRUGS DEVELOP DEPRESSION ANXIETY PANIC ATTACKS AND PARANOIA
s 2ISKY LEVELS OF DRINKING CAN IMPACT ON BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
s ECSTASY AND RELATED DRUGS CAN CAUSE SEVERE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES
s &OR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY A LOW RISK LEVEL OF DRINKING MAY MEAN NOT DRINKING ANY ALCOHOL AT ALL It’s important to discuss with your doctor what your safe drinking levels are.
s THERE ARE GROWING CONCERNS ABOUT DAMAGE TO BRAIN NEURONS FROM HEAVY USE OF AMPHETAMINES AND ECSTASY
s !LCOHOL HAS A BRIEF MOOD LIFTING EFFECT BUT LATER CAUSES FEELINGS OF DEPRESSION !NY SHORT TERM RELIEF ALCOHOL PROVIDES DOESN T LAST AND IT CAN RESULT IN LONG TERM HARM
s THE FEELINGS OF DEPRESSION EXPERIENCED AFTER USE OF AMPHETAMINES OR ECSTASY DO NOT RESPOND TO ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATION
s )NTOXICATION AND DEPRESSION CAN BE A DANGEROUS COMBINATION WHICH PUTS A PERSON AT RISK OF SUICIDE s 4HE !USTRALIAN GUIDELINES TO REDUCE HEALTH RISKS FROM DRINKING ALCOHOL1 PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REDUCING RISKS TO HEALTH FROM DRINKING ALCOHOL FOR MEN AND WOMEN 4HIS INCLUDES DRINKING NO MORE THAN TWO STANDARD DRINKS PER DAY TO REDUCE HEALTH RISKS OVER A LIFETIME
CIGARETTE SMOKING s -ANY PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY TAKE UP CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SOON BECOME ADDICTED TO NICOTINE s 3MOKERS ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO HAVE A MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER AS THE GENERAL POPULATION s 3MOKERS ARE LIKELY TO INCREASE SMOKING WHEN DEPRESSED s 0EOPLE WHO TRY TO QUIT SMOKING AFTER YEARS OF USE MAY SOMETIMES DEVELOP DEPRESSION ANXIETY OR IRRITABILITY IN THE lRST FEW WEEKS AND OFTEN GO BACK TO SMOKING
s WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS USUALLY INCLUDE DEPRESSION ANXIETY IRRITABILITY AND AGITATION
WHAT RESEARCH ON SUBSTANCE-USE IN AUSTRALIA TELLS US s /NE IN !USTRALIAN ADULTS HAS A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER s !LCOHOL USE DISORDERS ARE ABOUT THREE TIMES AS COMMON AS OTHER DRUG USE DISORDERS s /F THE ILLEGAL DRUGS MARIJUANA ACCOUNTS FOR MORE DRUG USE DISORDERS THAN ANY OTHER DRUG s 4HE MAJORITY OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF YEARS HAVE NOT TAKEN ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES s -EN ARE MORE THAN TWICE AS LIKELY AS WOMEN TO HAVE A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PER CENT COMPARED WITH PER CENT s 4HE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS ACTUALLY DECLINES WITH AGE &OR EXAMPLE ONE IN SIX !USTRALIANS AGED YEARS HAS A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COMPARED WITH JUST ONE IN OVER YEARS OF AGE
.ATIONAL (EALTH AND -EDICAL 2ESEARCH #OUNCIL Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. WWW NHMRC GOV AU PUBLICATIONS
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Reducing alcohol and other drugs FACT SHEET 9 Â s 4HERE IS LITTLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RATES OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS IN RURAL AND METROPOLITAN AREAS
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO? Â
s !USTRALIANS FROM NON %NGLISH SPEAKING BACKGROUNDS ARE LESS LIKELY TO HAVE A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
s $ON T DRINK WHEN YOU KNOW YOU RE DOWN OR ANXIOUS
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE? 0ART OF REDUCING ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE IS TO BE AWARE OF HOW MUCH ALCOHOL YOU ARE DRINKING AND WHAT DRUGS YOU ARE TAKING 2ECORDING THIS INFORMATION IN A DIARY CAN BE A USEFUL WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR INTAKE /NCE YOU KNOW THIS THERE ARE SOME WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF 1. Stop completely )T S IMPORTANT TO STOP COMPLETELY WHEN s YOUR DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY IS SEVERE
s $ON T DRINK ALONE s $ON T KEEP ALCOHOL IN THE HOUSE s !VOID SITUATIONS WHERE YOU KNOW YOU WILL DRINK EXCESSIVELY E G BARS PUBS HOTELS s ,IMIT DRINKING TO MEAL TIMES s $RINK LOW ALCOHOL BEERS AND MIXERS
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s !LTERNATE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS WITH NON ALCOHOLIC DRINKS s $ON T DRINK DURING THE WORKING WEEK s (AVE ALCOHOL FREE DAYS WEEKENDS OR WEEKS s #OUNT YOUR DRINKS AND STOP AT A PRE SET LIMIT E G TWO PER DAY s $RINK SLOWLY n LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE DRINK PER HOUR
s YOU HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
MORE INFORMATION
s YOU VE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF YOUR DRINKING OR DRUG USE
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
s YOU VE BECOME DEPENDENT ON ALCOHOL OR ANOTHER DRUG
)NFORMATION AND RESEARCH ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN !USTRALIA
s YOUR LIFE AND HAPPINESS IS AFFECTED
Quitline
2. Moderate or control your use )T S OFTEN VERY HARD TO STOP DRINKING OR TAKING DRUGS COMPLETELY !SKING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR HELP IS A GOOD PLACE TO START 9OUR DOCTOR CAN ALSO DEVELOP A PROGRAM TO HELP YOU TO CHANGE YOUR HABITS )F NECESSARY YOUR DOCTOR MAY PRESCRIBE MEDICATION TO HELP YOU STOP DRINKING ALCOHOL )F YOU HAVE DEVELOPED DRINKING PROBLEMS IN ASSOCIATION WITH DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY IT S IMPORTANT AT LEAST TO CONTROL OR MODERATE YOUR DRINKING ! GOOD WAY TO REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL OR DRUG INTAKE IS TO SET YOUR OWN PERSONAL GOALS ON HOW YOU PLAN TO CUT BACK 4HIS MAY INCLUDE s HOW MANY ALCOHOL FREE DAYS YOU WILL HAVE EACH WEEK )T IS IDEAL TO HAVE AT LEAST TWO ALCOHOL FREE DAYS EACH WEEK s HOW MANY STANDARD DRINKS YOU WILL HAVE ON ANY ONE DRINKING DAY
www.quitnow.info.au OR 131 848 4HIS PROGRAM CAN HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING OR HELP YOU lND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW SMOKING HARMS YOU Â
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre  www.ncpic.org.au OR 1800 30 40 50
%VIDENCE BASED INFORMATION ON CANNABIS AND RELATED HARMS
Australian Drug Information Network www.adin.com.au #ENTRAL POINT OF ACCESS TO ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION AND SERVICES IN !USTRALIA Â
DrugInfo Clearinghouse
www.druginfo.adf.org.au OR 1300 85 85 84 )NFORMATION ABOUT ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS AND DRUG PREVENTION
s WHAT YOUR MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STANDARD DRINKS IS PER WEEK )F YOU ARE DEPRESSED AND ARE DRINKING ALCOHOL OR TAKING OTHER DRUGS IT IS WORTH REMEMBERING YOU NEED TO SET OUT TO ADDRESS BOTH PROBLEMS 4HE TWO PROBLEMS MAY RELATE CLOSELY TO EACH OTHER BUT ONCE YOUR PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE USE IS HABITUAL YOU WILL NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AS WELL AS THE DEPRESSION IN ORDER TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY
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s YOU RE TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS
www.ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au OR 02 9385 0333
beyondblue: the national depression initiative )NFO LINE OR INFOLINE BEYONDBLUE ORG AU WWW BEYONDBLUE ORG AU ¥ "EYOND "LUE ,TD
Visit www.beyondblue.org.au Call 1300 22 4636 Email infoline@beyondblue.org.au
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Anxiety disorders FACT SHEET 21 Â
An anxiety disorder involves more than just feeling stressed – it’s a serious illness. People with anxiety disorders find it hard to function every day.
HOW COMMON ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS? Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in Australia. Nearly one in seven people will experience some type of anxiety disorder in any one year – around one in six women and one in 10 men. One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage of their lives.1
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD involves feeling anxious on most days over a long period of time. A person may have GAD if, for SIX MONTHS or more, on more days than not, they have: s FELT VERY WORRIED
â—? YES â—? NO
s FOUND IT HARD TO STOP WORRYING
â—? YES â—? NO
s FOUND THAT THEIR ANXIETY MADE IT DIFlCULT FOR them to carry out everyday activities (e.g. work, study, seeing friends and family).
â—? YES â—? NO
If the person answered ‘YES’ to ALL of these questions have they also experienced THREE or more of the following: s FELT RESTLESS OR ON EDGE
â—? YES â—? NO
WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY DISORDERS?
s FELT TIRED EASILY
â—? YES â—? NO
Combinations of factors are believed to trigger anxiety disorders. These include:
s HAD DIFlCULTY CONCENTRATING
â—? YES â—? NO
s FELT IRRITABLE
â—? YES â—? NO
s HAD MUSCLE PAIN E G SORE JAW OR BACK
â—? YES â—? NO
s HAD TROUBLE SLEEPING E G DIFlCULTY FALLING or staying asleep or restless sleep).
â—? YES â—? NO
s A FAMILY HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS s STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS s ONGOING PHYSICAL ILLNESS
Specific Phobia
s PERSONALITY FACTORS
TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS, THEIR SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS There are many types of anxiety disorders with a range of signs and symptoms.
Social Phobia A person with Social Phobia has an intense fear of criticism, being embarrassed or humiliated, even in everyday situations. For example, public speaking, eating in public, being assertive at work or making small talk. A person may have Social Phobia if: s HE SHE HAS A FEAR OF ONE OR MORE SOCIAL or performance situations where they may be criticised
â—? YES â—? NO
s THE SITUATION IS AVOIDED OR ENDURED WITH anxiety and distress
â—? YES â—? NO
s FELT VERY NERVOUS WHEN FACED WITH A SPECIlC OBJECT or situation e.g.: – flying on an aeroplane
â—? YES â—? NO
– going near an animal
â—? YES â—? NO
n RECEIVING AN INJECTION
â—? YES â—? NO
s AVOIDED A SITUATION THAT MIGHT CAUSE THE PERSON TO FACE THE 3PECIlC 0HOBIA E G – needed to change work patterns
â—? YES â—? NO
– not getting health check-ups
â—? YES â—? NO
s FOUND IT HARD TO GO ABOUT DAILY LIFE E G WORKING studying or seeing friends and family) because the person is trying to avoid such situations. â—? YES â—? NO
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
s THE ANXIETY INTERFERES WITH NORMAL ROUTINE working life, social functioning, or the person is distressed about the problem
â—? YES â—? NO
s THE FEAR IS IDENTIlED AS UNREASONABLE
â—? YES â—? NO
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3PECIlC 0HOBIAS CAUSE A PERSON TO FEEL VERY FEARFUL ABOUT PARTICULAR OBJECTS OR SITUATIONS ! PERSON MAY HAVE A 3PECIlC Phobia if they have:
/#$ OCCURS WHEN PEOPLE HAVE ONGOING UNWANTED INTRUSIVE thoughts and fears that cause anxiety – often called obsessions. These obsessions make people feel they need to carry out certain rituals in order to feel less anxious and these are known as compulsions. A person may have OCD if they have:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008). 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results (4326.0). Canberra: ABS.
Visit www.beyondblue.org.au Call 1300 22 4636 Email infoline@beyondblue.org.au
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