Anxiety Disorders and Panic Disorders

Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Symptoms, causes, and treatments for first responders, including PTSD and mental health support.

Mental Health Risks

Police officers, soldiers, and firefighters are at a much higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues due to the nature of their jobs. Research from a U.S. healthcare foundation shows that these professionals are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Here are some key statistics related to mental health risks:

Depression and Anxiety: “One in three police officers and firefighters will experience a mental health issue like depression at some point in their career.”
Substance Abuse: “85% of active firefighters have a habit of drinking alcohol.”
PTSD: A 2016 report by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) estimated that while 3.5% of the general population show symptoms of PTSD, 20% of firefighters and paramedics are affected.
Sleep Disorders and Burnout: “Nearly half of U.S. firefighters experience burnout, related health issues, and sleep disorders.”

If these mental health issues are not addressed, they can lead to increased absenteeism, lower motivation, more mistakes, higher turnover rates, and other negative impacts at work. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these issues in the workplace through prevention, education, and support.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the feeling of worry or fear. It can be a vague sense of unease or a feeling that something bad is going to happen. People with anxiety disorders experience intense, excessive, and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations.

Key Points
Anxiety is a normal part of life, but if it persists, it can be harmful. Prolonged anxiety can weaken both body and mind, interfere with daily life, and lead to physical and mental illnesses like infections, heart disease, and depression. It can also result in unhealthy behaviors like overeating, alcohol or drug abuse, and escapism.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Stomach pain
Diarrhea or frequent urination
Dizziness
Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing
Headaches
Muscle tension
Rapid breathing
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Sweating
Shaking or tremors
Fatigue
Irritability, including losing your temper
Sexual problems
Sleep disturbances, including nightmares

Severe Symptoms That Require Immediate Treatment

Chest pain with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating
Suicidal thoughts
Unusual hyperventilation and rapid heartbeat
Inability to function properly at home or work due to anxiety or other symptoms
Unexplained anxiety
Sudden panic attacks
Uncontrollable fear
Anxiety triggered by traumatic memories (See PTSD)
Anxiety that persists after weeks of self-care

Common Causes

Stress
Environmental or daily life changes
Relationship problems
Substance abuse, drinking
Genetic factors: Evidence suggests that genetics play a role in the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Family and twin studies indicate that about 30% of anxiety disorders run in families.

Biological Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are associated with abnormalities in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA. These disorders are caused by some form of brain dysfunction, where the amygdala (part of the brain) becomes overstimulated.

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder with three main symptoms: “panic attacks,” “anticipatory anxiety,” and “agoraphobia.” The most distinctive symptom is panic attacks, which involve sudden, intense anxiety with symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. People with panic disorder may also fear having another attack, which can lead to anticipatory anxiety or the fear of going outside.

Biological Causes of Panic Disorder

Like other anxiety disorders, panic disorder is linked to abnormalities in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA. The amygdala and hippocampus become overstimulated, leading to symptoms.

It’s important to remember that anxiety and panic disorders are “brain illnesses” caused by abnormalities in the brain. This is not a matter of “weakness” or personality, but a condition that can happen to anyone. As a disease, it can be effectively treated with proper care.

First-Line Medication for Anxiety Disorders: Antidepressants

The primary treatment for anxiety disorders involves antidepressants, especially SSRIs. While you might think antidepressants are only for depression, they are also commonly used to treat anxiety.

Supplementary Medication for Anxiety Disorders: Anti-Anxiety Medications

Anti-anxiety medications provide quick relief by calming anxiety and tension. While they carry a risk of tolerance and dependence, they can be very effective when used properly.

Anti-anxiety medications work by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, helping to reduce anxiety and tension. The biggest advantage of anti-anxiety medications is their quick action, which means they can provide relief soon after taking them, unlike antidepressants, which take time to work.

Reference page: “Key fire characteristics: combustion elements, smoke risks, toxic gases, and safe firefighting techniques.”

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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Anxiety Disorders and Panic Disorders

Mental Health Risks