Anxiety: Physical, mental, or both?

What does mental illness look like?  Is it physical or just psychological?  Most would likely agree that it is both, and others might believe it is only psychological.  Certainly, symptoms of anxiety can include physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, sweating, and/or heart palpitations.  On the other hand, the psychological symptoms for anxiety might include ruminating thoughts, excessive worry, and/or unexplained fear.  But what if one causes the other?  Consider the following:

Adolescents with a long history of asthma are more likely to develop an affective disorder, namely anxiety and/or depression (Hommel et al., 2002).  Through the use of relaxation techniques and biofeedback, asthmatics with panic disorder have demonstrated improvements physiologically with decreased heart rate, increased pulmonary function, expiratory flow rate and stress management (Hommel et al, 2002).  Psychologically, with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and cognitive reframing skills; and social improvements by re-engaging in sociable and pleasurable activities (Hommel et al., 2002).

Certainly, evidence-based psychological treatments can improve psychological functioning for ailments such as anxiety and depression - are they enough?  Or does one fare better with antidepressant medication alongside psychological treatments?

Stay tuned, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to anxiety!

Reference:  Hommel, K. A., Chaney, J. M., Wagner, J. L. & McLaughlin, M. S.  (2002). Asthma-specific quality of life in older adolescents and young adults with long-standing asthma:  The role of anxiety and depression. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 9(3), 185-192.  doi:10.1023/A:1016066709714