Definitii

anxiety The term is usually used in the lay sense of the word. Namely, a feeling
of profound agitation and of an imminent unpleasant experience, often with
accompanying physical symptoms of racing pulse, sweating, breathlessness, etc.
Normally, the sensation is experienced as a reaction to anxietyprovoking events
(e.g. a trip to the dentist, exam nerves, etc.), and is relatively quickly dissipated.
If the feeling of anxiety is unusually severe or protracted, or arises without
apparent reason, then it is usually classified as one of the anxiety disorders. .
(Hamilton, S.I., p 30)

anxiety Aterm used with many shades of meaning and in many different areas of
PSYCHOLOGY. It is generally held to be an unpleasant emotional state resulting
from STRESS or conflict and characterised by fear and apprehension. If the fear
and apprehension are vague and diffuse and not attached to a specific object, or
if they seem excessive , the anxiety is considered NEUROTIC.(Statt, D.A. , 1998, p
8) THE CONCISE DICTIONARY OF PSYCHOLOGY, Routledge, London and New York

anxiety n. 1. A fearful mood that has a vague or no specifi c focus and is

accompanied by bodily arousal. 2. In learning theory a secondary or conditioned
drive which leads to an avoidance response. 3. In Freudian theory it can be
realistic fear of possible events, a conscious expression of unexpressed and
usually confl icted energy, or moral qualms. 4. In existential theory, anxiety is the
emotional aspect of the constant state of uncertainty of human beings who have
to choose courses of action in a world in which there are no inherent guidelines.
(Matsumoto, D. 2009, p 46 )

How are anxiety and depression related?

Although they have traditionally been classified as separate

disorders, there is a considerable overlap between anxiety and

depression. The majority of people who are seen in primary care

settings will have a mixture of symptoms of anxiety (with often

symptoms of different anxiety disorders present) and depression,

and often also physical symptoms that may be related to either or

both of these, or for which there is no apparent physical cause (and also other
health problems too). People with more severe

disorders who are seen in specialist settings may have a more

distinct presentation of depression or one of the anxiety

disorders, but even here they often coexist (see both Marias and
Franciss stories in Box 1.3 and Chapter 2). Anxiety may precede

the development of depression and vice versa. The coexistence of

symptoms had led some to question whether these are indeed

distinct disorders. ABC of Anxiety and Depression

When put under pressure the body has few
physiological responses. These are no different from those available to
the cave man or our mammalian ancestors. The available responses
prepare the individual to fight or flee. An anxiety-provoking situation
stimulates the higher centres of the brain, from which a series of nerve
and hormonal connections cause stimulation of the adrenal glands. These
58 Occupational health
glands respond by excreting the catecholamines, adrenaline and
noradrenaline, and cortisol into the bloodstream. The effect of these
chemicals is to provide the physiological changes that the body may need
to confront the problem (the so-called flight/fight response): for example,
increases in heart and respiratory rate, concentration of blood in the
muscles, increased clotting potential of the blood, and an increase of fats
in the bloodstream. None of these changes assists the individual to deal
with work overload, a frustrating work situation or a difficult interview
with the boss (in fact, a throbbing heart and breathlessness are counterproductive),
but that is all we have available.
A continual or recurrent state of stress can eventually lead to anxiety
states and depression.

Expressions of anxiety are seen

as signs of failure both by the manager and the individual. Increasing
awareness of conditions such as post-traumatic stress syndrome and
burnout has made it possible to introduce counselling and other
support structures in these areas and, more important, has made it
possible for the individual to admit to symptoms. What is offered to
employees should be tailored to the organisations exact needs. It will
include opportunities for employees to obtain counselling
confidentially and without reference to management. The possibility of
resettlement needs to be offered, or at least temporary transfer to less
pressurised work without serious career implications.

Anxiety states
An anxiety state is one where there are various physical and
psychological signs of anxiety unrelated to any realistic danger. It may
present as a panic attack or a more chronic distressed state. Symptoms
such as sleeplessness, palpitations and phobic ideas are common. A
variety of physical symptoms may be associated with anxiety states and
these may interfere with the correct diagnosis.
Work effects
Anxiety at work may develop slowly with a gradual deterioration in
performance. Long-term sickness absence and long-term medication are
not usually required. The individual may need counselling support and
the removal of any precipitating factors before rehabilitation can be
completed. In some cases a chronic state may develop where
unreasonable anxieties and loss of self-esteem persist.

. (Fingret, A., & Smith,(1995) A. Occupational Health: A Practical Guide for Managers,
Routledge