Don't panic: people with anxiety disorders in Wellington

Abstract

This research explores how panic disorder with or without agoraphobia and/or generalised anxiety has effected the lives of people in Wellington, New Zealand. It is argued that there is an apparent lack of proper treatment options existing for people with anxiety disorders in Wellington. Other anxiety related issues explored have divulged similar findings to those found in previous research overseas. Six face-to-face interviews and nine phone interviews were carried out with 15 respondents all of whom had significant anxiety. Most respondents had panic disorder, some with agoraphobia, and a few with generalised anxiety disorder. Most of the respondents interviewed were female. The issues explored in this research include respondents' experiences of their anxiety, comorbid disorders, upbringing, stressful life events, treatment experiences and abuse and use of substances. Findings are that people with an anxiety disorder in Wellington appear to be experiencing similar levels of comorbidity and stressful life events to those found in research done overseas. However, the provision of cognitive-behavioural treatment facilities in Wellington appears to be poor. The recommendations are that medical professionals be educated in the diagnosis of anxiety disorders, and that there be made available medical professionals trained in cognitive-behavioural treatment methods to whom people suffering from an anxiety disorder can be referred for treatment. It is also crucial that people are given information on their anxiety and are made aware of all the treatment options. Further research should target the state of treatment facilities for anxiety disorders in Wellington, test general practitioners knowledge and ability to recognise these disorders, and monitor the success of treatment programmes. It might also pinpoint where further education is needed and where resources to help treat anxiety disorders should be allocated.