The Anxiety Continuum
At this lowest level of anxiety, alertness and motivation increase, and the person can still learn and solve problems effectively.
Mild anxiety
Identifying the source of stress, considering alternatives, and taking direct action are examples of this type of coping.
Problem-focused or task-oriented coping
This form of anxiety is temporary, related to an identifiable stressor, and may motivate preparation or problem-solving.
Normal anxiety
Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories, or feeling as though the trauma is happening again reflect this PTSD feature.
Re-experiencing or intrusion
Clients taking antianxiety medications should be monitored for sedation, dizziness, falls, impaired coordination, and this potentially dangerous effect.
Respiratory depression
At this level, the person’s attention narrows, but redirection can help the person concentrate and complete a task.
Moderate anxiety
Relaxation, exercise, talking with a supportive person, and expressing feelings are examples of this type of coping.
Emotion-focused coping
Anxiety that is excessive, persistent, difficult to control, and interferes with work, relationships, or daily activities may indicate this.
An anxiety disorder
Being easily startled, constantly watchful, irritable, unable to sleep, or unable to concentrate reflects this PTSD feature.
Hyperarousal or increased reactivity
Careful monitoring is especially important because some antianxiety medications may produce tolerance, physical dependence, and these symptoms if stopped suddenly.
Withdrawal symptoms
At this level, the person has a greatly reduced perceptual field, difficulty thinking clearly, and may focus on one detail.
Severe anxiety
Denial, projection, rationalization, displacement, and regression are examples of these unconscious methods of reducing anxiety.
Defense mechanisms
An intense, unreasonable fear of a particular object, activity, animal, or situation is known as this.
Refusing to discuss the trauma and avoiding people, places, thoughts, or activities associated with it demonstrate this feature.
Avoidance
Identifying rapid breathing, muscle tension, racing thoughts, irritability, and sleep changes helps a person recognize these.
Early warning signs of anxiety
Terror, disorganized behavior, distorted perceptions, and an inability to communicate or function effectively characterize this level.
Panic-level anxiety
A child may express anxiety through crying, clinging, stomachaches, sleep problems, or this behavior when separated from a caregiver.
Regression
Repeatedly avoiding elevators because of an intense fear of enclosed spaces is an example of this type of behavior.
Phobic avoidance
The first priority when caring for a sexual-assault survivor is to establish physical and emotional security through this intervention.
Ensuring safety and providing calm, nonjudgmental support
Slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and guided imagery are techniques for producing this response.
Relaxation
Mild, moderate, severe, and panic represent the four levels on this.
The anxiety-response continuum
Adolescents may show anxiety through irritability, school problems, withdrawal, risk-taking, or these physical complaints with no clear medical cause.
Somatic complaints
Unlike a phobia, this disorder involves unwanted recurring thoughts and repetitive acts performed to relieve distress.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD
Allowing the survivor to make choices about examinations, evidence collection, reporting, and support persons helps restore this.
A sense of control or autonomy
Recognizing triggers, practicing stress-reduction skills, and seeking assistance before anxiety becomes severe are three methods for accomplishing this.
Recognizing and preventing escalating anxiety