*- Dr Sandhya

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world.

This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is 'mental health for all'.

Psychosomatic Disorder : Anxiety.

Psychosomatic disorder is a disease concerning with both mind and body. There is a mental feature to every physical disease. Some physical diseases are thought to be worsen by mental factors such as Anxiety and stress.

Anxiety is arguably emotion that predates the evolution of man.  Developments in nosology, epidemiology and psycholobiology have considerably advanced our understanding of the anxiety disorders.  Anxiety disorders are the most common disorder among Psychosomatic. It is kind of emotional disorders which affect 12% of the population, causing mild to severe impairment. The highest rates of hospitalization  are among adults aged 65 years and over.

Early findings and proper management are imperative in order to enhance the quality of life  with anxiety disorders. Mild anxiety can be cured with lifestyle changes, whereas more severe cases require medications. Recovery is possible with right care.

Mental health are priorities need to be shifted from psychotic disorders to common mental disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, somato form disorder etc. which are also associated with high disability in all events. An advance in Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy of these disorders is a practical approach  for relief of symptoms and improvement in functioning to patients. The researches found in the field of anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs are dismally low. Most common symptom is irritability in patients suffering from anxiety disorders.

If anyone is In  good mental health, he can make the most of  his potential, play a full part in family, ccommunity and among friends.

*Dr Sandhya, Senior Resident, Department of Prasuti and Stri Rog, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University