McKenna Bryant

Dr. Cassel

English 101

7 November 2018

Annotated Bibliography

Ames, Steven. “Anxiety Disorders.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and

Research, 4 May 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-

causes/syc-20350961. Accessed 5 November 2018

Dealing with anxiousness is a common occurrence for typically everyone, but some

people deal with overblown fears; these fears are often coincided with ‘episodes’, commonly

referred to as panic attacks. The feelings associated with this disorder are often over

exaggerations of the actual amount of danger presented, can last long after the danger has left or

been removed, and are not easily controllable. There are many forms of anxiety, such as

Generalized anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Separation anxiety disorder, some specific

phobias and some disorders stem from untreated medical issues. Symptoms can present

themselves in many ways, from just feeling nervous to feeling some sort of impending doom is

going to occur if one remains in that situation. Various types and subsections of the disorder

have been discovered, such as Agoraphobia, the fear of situations that may trigger your anxiety

or embarrass you, Selective Mutism, present in children who refuse to speak in certain social

situations even though they have the ability to speak and communicate perfectly fine, and

Substance-induced anxiety disorder, the extreme panic resulting from the misuse of drugs, being

exposed to a toxic matter, or from withdrawals associated with drug abuse. One should contact

their doctor for reasons such as if the anxiety intervenes with any part of one’s lifestyle, feel as if
it is difficult to control, feel depressed or are struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, think it could

be related to a health issue, or take immediate action if suicidal thoughts or behaviors occur.

Nobody really knows what the cause of anxiety is, some believe traumatic events are the cause,

but inherited traits are also a part of it. Medical related anxiety can be caused by a multitude of

diseases including heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, respiratory disorders, drug misuse

or withdrawal, withdrawal from alcohol or anti-anxiety medication, chronic pain or rare tumors.

Anxiety could be caused from medical disorders if there is no history of the disorder with blood

relatives, if it wasn’t prevalent as a child, certain situations are avoided because of the anxiety or

a sudden occurrence that seems unrelated to life events. There are certain risk factors, such as

trauma, stress due to an illness, stress buildup, personality, other mental health disorders, having

blood relatives with the disorder or drug or alcohol use. Anxiety can lead to or worsen other

mental illnesses, for instance depression, substance misuse, digestive or bowel problems,

insomnia, social isolation, problems functioning at school or work, poor quality of life and

suicide. There is no way to prevent anxiety, however it can be helped through getting help early,

staying active and avoid alcohol and drug use.

Team, Fairview. “Patient Education.” Fairview, 2018, www.fairview.org/patient-

education/82144. Accessed 5 November 2018

Anxiety is a normal reaction and can affect the body in many ways, however when a

disorder the reactions can occur in the wrong moments. Anxiety in healthy amounts is the way

the brain elicits responses to bad results of things you are unable to control. Anxiety can cause

many different reactions, such as dizziness, restlessness, a racing heartbeat, shaking or a

stomachache. Anxiety is okay until it becomes hard to control for extended periods of time and

becomes an issue with handling important areas of life. Anxiety can affect some people more
easily than others, especially when it is in the bloodline already, as well as more older people and

women. Even with bad disorders, it can be treated; treatment can include talk therapy, where one

can talk through their problems and work on ways to cope, making the anxiety hopefully return

to a healthier level. Some ways to cope can include exercise, avoiding caffeine and nicotine,

mediation and not turning to alcohol or drugs when stressed.

Kilburn, Marianna. “How Does Anxiety Affect Our Body?” A. Vogel, 15 Mar. 2018,

www.avogel.co.uk/health/stress-anxiety-low-mood/anxiety/how-does-anxiety-affect-our-

body/. Accessed 5 November 2018

Serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, meaning when there is an emotional

disturbance in the brain, there is one in the gut as well usually. Stress levels can affect the body

in ways such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating and nausea. Stress and anxiety are bad for our

immune system, as they can inhibit its functions; the more anxiety, the worse it can get. Also,

when levels are high, the body uses more important minerals faster. Zinc is one of the minerals

that higher levels of anxiety eat at, leaving the body more open to colds and the flu. Anxiety

affects the body in even more ways, such as physical. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal gland, is

healthy and good for the body; unless released in large portions. When there are large portions of

cortisol in the body, calcium absorption is impeded and can possibly bring porous and brittle

bones. Magnesium can also be depleted, which helps with mood swings and muscle cramps.

Extended times dealing with anxiety can cause multiple issues, such as activating our fight or

flight response; resulting in symptoms such as sweating, higher blood pressure and a release of

adrenaline. Short bursts of anxiety are good due to the effects, anxiety encourages thinking

before actions; elongated anxiety can result in severe issues. Panic attacks are a result of stressors

to the amygdala, the part that triggers fight or flight; some believe that overexposure leads to
hyperawareness of possible threats. Being on ‘high alert’ for extended periods of time can and

will cause lower energy, leaving feelings of emotional and physical exhaustion. This can happen

for a multitude of reasons, for example, lack of adrenaline caused by all of the sources being

used up. Mental tiredness can be another cause, resulting from the brain running out of energy.

While dealing with anxiety, many tense up, leading to physical exhaustion. Tiredness can also be

the body’s way of coping with the amount of stress and anxiety it is facing. Other mental health

issues can also cause low energy, such as depression. Finally, sleep problems can factor into low

energy, as lack of sleep means less time to get rest and, eventually, less energy.

Team, Fairview. “Patient Education.” Fairview, 2018, www.fairview.org/patient-

education/82144. Accessed 5 November 2018

The body has many different defense systems, such as anxiety; anxiety causes feelings

anywhere from a slight sense of worry to a pounding heartbeat. Normal anxiety is a signal from

the brain to help prevent or reduce the negative effects of something uncontrollable. Anxiety can

cause symptoms ranging from dizziness and a racing heartbeat to chest pain and diarrhea.

However, it can become a problem when it is difficult to control; anxiety disorders cause the

same symptoms, but in inappropriate ways such as when the response is bigger than the threat, or

when there is no threat at all but there is still a response. Anxiety can affect everyone but is more

prone to people who have a family history, are younger and a female. Anxiety disorders are

treatable, most will improve through medication and talk therapy. There are also multiple ways

to cope with anxiety, for example with exercise to relieve tension, or stress management

techniques such as mediation.

Kamholz, Barbara. “Understand the Facts.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America,

ADAA, 2010, adaa.org/understanding-anxiety. Accessed 5 November 2018

 Occasional anxiety is healthy for the body, but when it becomes persistent, overwhelming

or uncontrollable and excessive, it can interfere with daily activities which can hint at an anxiety

disorder. Anxiety disorders are severe mental disorders and are comparable to heart disease or

diabetes; they are the most common mental disorder in America. “Anxiety disorder” is an

umbrella term, used to describe disorders that can include generalized anxiety disorder, social

anxiety disorder and even specific phobias. OCD and PTSD are also linked to anxiety disorders.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, defined by cramping, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea is

also linked to anxiety disorders. Around 40 million, or 18% of people in America go through

some sort of anxiety disorder any year, 8% of children and adolescents also go through anxiety

disorders, many showing symptoms before the age of 21. However, only around one-third of

those affected get treated, even with the disorder being very easily treatable. Finally, according

to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in every 13 people are dealing with anxiety, and that

anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the world. Studies have found that

anxiety disorders run in families and are based in biology just like allergies or diabetes.