The rising awareness around the impact of anxiety disorders on an individual’s daily function and overall well-being has brought about a need for discussing mental health, particularly in India, where stigmatization still persists. This article will delve into the details of understanding what constitutes anxiety disorders and how they are treated, along with highlighting the initiatives taken by the Government of India to address these issues.
Understanding Anxiety Disorder: Definition and Historical Context
Anxiety disorder is a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and unreasonable fear and worry concerning various life aspects. Anyone can be affected by anxiety disorders, irrespective of age, gender, culture, or background.
Historically, anxiety disorders were classified as mood disorders until the late 19th century. The term “anxiety neurosis” was introduced by Sigmund Freud to distinguish anxiety symptoms from depression. It was further classified into people mainly exhibiting psychological or physical symptoms of anxiety.
Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders in India
According to India’s National Mental Health Survey, neurosis and stress-related disorders have a prevalence of 3.5% in India. Women are more often observed to suffer from these disorders, and the conditions are often overlooked or misdiagnosed in primary care settings. Individuals during their childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood are considered to be at a higher risk for developing anxiety disorders.
Clinical Features of Common Anxiety Disorders
Common types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, and Specific Phobias. These differ based on the kind of fear, distress, and physical symptoms exhibited by the individual.
Underlying Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Several factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, life events, and certain medical conditions could contribute to developing anxiety disorders.
Treating Anxiety Disorders
Treatment for anxiety disorders depends upon the severity, persistence, and impact of symptoms, along with the patient’s preferences. Interventions include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and treatment is typically continued for a period of 9-12 months following symptom remission.
Government of India’s Initiatives on Mental Health
In response to the rising mental health issues, the Government of India has adopted the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) in 1982. This was supplemented by the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in 1996, to provide mental health services at the community level.
The Mental Health Care Act 2017 ensured access to mental healthcare and treatment from government institutions for every affected person. It significantly reduced the relevance of Section 309 IPC, which stipulated punishment for attempts to commit suicide.
Recent initiatives include the ‘Kiran’ helpline launched in 2020, providing 24/7 mental health support. Furthermore, the Manodarpan Initiative and MANAS Mobile App were launched to offer psychosocial support to students, teachers, and family members during the Covid-19 pandemic, and promote mental well-being across age groups, respectively.
