The mental and physical sensations brought on from anxiety are normal responses experienced universally. Anxiety can be represented as a physiological, emotional, and mental experience with three goals; (1) to alert us to danger, (2) to prepare us to confront the danger, or (3) to break away/run away from the danger. Within these 3 goals are various subjective interpretations of anxiety. For example, on one hand anxiety may motivate us to complete an assignment before a deadline, or excite us as we play a competitive game, but on the other hand, anxiety can debilitate us and leave us perilous when having to speak in public, or when having to go up to someone and start a conversation. Considering this, anxiety disorders also affect a large population of individuals. Specifically, 18% of adults and 1 out of 10 children and adolescents suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is complex, and although we know a great deal, many new questions continue to arise.
Anxiety becomes difficult when there are formidable efforts to avoid or diminish the anxious feeling through alcohol, drugs, repetitive thoughts, or rigid routines. Similarly, if this nervous, stressed out sensation develops into a normal, repetitive factor of life, constituted with complications in conducting vocational, familial, or social responsibilities, problems could develop. Anxiety can also espouse itself through various behaviors and emotions. Some common expressions to look out for are, situations where there is an intense amount of fear or worry without any existing danger, refusal to speak, refusal to participate in activities, skipping classes, difficulties in emotional regulation, social or self-isolation, intrusive worrying, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, irritability, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.
Now, why is research needed? If we know so a much about the etiology, progression, and expression of anxiety, why do we continue to conduct investigations among this disorder? Well for starters, there is much diversity among individuals in terms of the severity and effects espoused by anxiety, thus variant presentations of the disorder continue to arise. Therefore, a research studies iterative nature is crucially important as it helps in advancing knowledge on the illness itself, psychiatric treatments, psychological therapies, symptom maintenance procedures, relapse prevention strategies, biological pathways of the disorder, and protective plans of action to completely prevent the disorder.
More recently, clinical investigations have also given light to research as a care option. What this represents is the relationship between patients, and clinical trials coming together as part of the continuum enveloped in healthcare. It allows individuals to not only benefit from the positive qualities of research, but also from wellness care options.
Research trials on anxiety are an economically viable option that can help diagnose a disorder, possibly prevent the development or recurrence of the disorder, reduce the severity and overall number of individuals who are affected by the disorder, and increase remission rates for corresponding symptoms. Clinical studies also involve highly trained individual that follow specific guidelines to maintain patient safety and stabilization in various psychological and physical domains.
The traditional course of treatment for anxiety does not always work out for every individual. If you, your child, or someone you know is experiencing anxiety symptoms carefully consider your options by doing your own set exploratory research.
To learn more about options at Segal Trials, visit our Enrolling Studies.
