Anxiety disorders While anxiety is a normal response to stress, anxiety disorders are more severe and persistent, and are often without apparent causative factors. Chronic anxiety may resemble anxiety disorder but may be due to persistent situational stress or to mal-adaptation to moderate levels of stress.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders include palpitations, chest discomfort, trembling, dizziness, bowel irritation, increased vigilance and insomnia. General aches and pains, chronic neck and shoulder pain, headaches, jaw pain and blurring of vision may be present.

Variants of anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, phobic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Medications are required for severe anxiety disorders. They may also need to be used in the long-term management of chronic anxiety disorders. A small number of medications have a tendency to create dependency and these need to be used with caution.

Acupuncture produces a pleasant feeling of relaxation and decreases anxiety levels. It has a useful role in treating mild to moderate anxiety, especially when it is used in conjunction with psychological counselling. It can reduce the incidence and severity of episodes in variants of anxiety disorders. Dietary supplements and dietary modification will often help.