Anxiety Disorder

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorder, a common condition, refers to a group of disorders which result in an overwhelming fear of something that appears harmless. The fear may manifest physically as a rapid heartbeat and sweating and, in some cases, lead to a panic attack. While it’s normal to get anxious from time to time, persistent anxiety is normally a cause for concern, especially when it impacts your daily routine and quality of life.

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

There are various types of anxiety disorders, such as the following:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Generalised anxiety disorder is marked by an overwhelming fear or excessive worry over trivial matters.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a fear of people or social events. Those diagnosed with the disorder may develop irrational feelings as if people are judging them or they are being watched.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder can significantly disrupt your daily life. It develops when you experience heightened anxiety when separating from someone close, like a relative or primary caregiver

Selective Mutism

It's important to understand that selective mutism is not a choice. It occurs when an individual, due to prolonged anxiety or fear, finds it difficult to speak in certain situations. Empathy and support are crucial in such cases.

Recognizing the typical signs of an anxiety disorder is crucial. It can help you or your loved ones seek the necessary support and treatment. So, what are these signs?

• A sense of uneasiness
• Irritability
• Fear
• Obsessive, uncontrollable thoughts
• Trouble concentrating
• Restlessness
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Muscle tension

Remember, the symptoms mentioned above are general indicators. It's crucial to seek an official diagnosis from a qualified professional like Dr Adelbert Scholtz. This step is essential in understanding and managing anxiety effectively.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, a severe form of anxiety, is largely due to a life-threatening situation, which results in flashbacks of the event and recurrent nightmares. The individual’s brain is therefore unable to switch off, and they remain on high alert even when there’s no sign of danger. Fortunately, there are various techniques to help get over one’s fears. Dr Adelbert Scholtz had the pleasure of working with ambulance personnel, police officers and former soldiers who had traumatic past experiences. It’s still possible to help people deal with stressful situations more effectively, so they can look forward to a better quality of life.

© 2026 Dr Adelbert Scholtz, Christian Counselling Psychologist.

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