National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day 2024 (US): History, Facts, and Dates

National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day 2024 (US): National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day is designated for the first Wednesday of May. The event occurs this year on May 1. In 1993, the day was initially observed. Its significance is to bring attention to the necessity for individuals to undergo examinations for anxiety disorders. Screening for anxiety is crucial to diagnosing anxiety disorders and acquiring knowledge on how to effectively manage or treat them.

National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day: History

Ancient Roman and Greek physicians and philosophers regarded anxiety as a medical disease. Ancient Stoic and Epicurean thinkers described strategies for achieving a state of mind without apprehension that resemble cognitive psychology. Regrettably, a significant time lapse transpired from the late 19th century until the late classical period, during which anxiety was not categorized as an independent illness. Despite this, individuals continued to report typical cases of anxiety disorders, albeit with alternative designations.

Bossier de Sauvages, during the 18th century, authored a nosology that recognized panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder as ‘panophobia.’ During the latter half of the 19th century, people started referring to the medical condition characterized by exhaustion, headache, and irritability as “neurasthenia.” These symptoms of anxiety were crucial components of these novel disease constructs. For centuries, numerous ayurvedic herbs were utilized in traditional medicine in India to soothe the mind and improve temperament. At that time, Brahmi, Gotu Kola, and Ashwagandha were the most prevalent.

In the Middle Ages, balms and herbs, hydropathy (body exposure to extremely low temperatures), immersion in icy rivers and streams, health retreats, and bloodletting were used as cures. Nevertheless, with the rise of Freud and the increasing popularity of psychoanalysis, individuals began to accept therapy as a potential remedy for anxiety disorders.

Despite the recent emergence of official recognition, anxiety disorders have been present throughout human history. Winston Churchill, Johnny Depp, Adele, Selena Gomez, and Abraham Lincoln have all admitted to anxiety and panic attacks.

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National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day: FAQs

Are children susceptible to anxiety?

Although they are learning to speak, they cannot say, “I am feeling anxious” or “I am experiencing worry.” Childhood anxiety can include gastrointestinal trouble, stomach pain, restlessness, temper tantrums, avoidance, and emotional breakdowns.

Is anxiety hereditary?

Research indicates that anxiety disorders may exhibit a hereditary pattern. Some people recover from trauma without anxiety disorders, whereas others acquire PTSD, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

What therapeutic modalities are available for anxiety disorders?

The most common treatments for anxiety disorders are cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of the two, plus exposure therapy. Although hospitalization is not obligatory in every circumstance.

Five Fascinating Facts Regarding Anxiety

Slight anxiety can contribute to one’s safety by promoting vigilance towards one’s surroundings.
Even a 30-minute jog or a 30-second circling stroll around the block are effective and expeditious mood enhancers.
Anxiety sufferers frequently have difficulty remaining in the present moment, resulting in frequent forgetfulness.
It causes nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, hot flashes, fast heart rate, and confusion.
People usually view anxiety negatively, but it becomes a problem when it prevents us from living a full and meaningful life.