The Correlation between Nutrition and Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychological disorders in Poland, with up to 14% of the European Union population experiencing severe anxiety symptoms (Z. Kroplewski, A. Serocka, M. Szczelniak, 2019). In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people affected by these disorders due to the epidemiological situation and political events. Research conducted in Poland immediately after the outbreak of the pandemic shows that up to 75% of those surveyed suffer from severe anxiety (M. Babicki, A. Mastalerz-Migas 2021). Anxiety disorders can be generally described as excessive protective reactions to the environment, triggered by unrealistic ideas and thoughts about dangers (Z. Kroplewski, A. Serocka, M. Szczelniak, 2019). To be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder, they must last at least 6 months and not be associated with other mental disorders or the use of psychoactive substances (J. Stasiuk et al., 2014). Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social phobia, as well as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). These disorders are often overlooked, leading to ineffective and prolonged treatment. Treatment includes taking medication and receiving psychotherapeutic or psychological support. It has been proven that women are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than men (B. Bandelow, S. Michaelis, D. Wedekind, 2017). This may be due to the fact that women generally do not suffer as much from their illnesses as men and therefore seek help more often than men. These disorders most commonly occur in young age: phobias between the ages of 3 and 10 and generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks between the ages of 20 and 24 (B. Bandelow, S. Michaelis, D. Wedekind 2017). However, they can also occur later in life. They usually have a chronic course and significantly impair daily functioning. Anxiety disorders include many different disorders, making it impossible to determine the cause. They can have biological, genetic, behavioral, or psychological causes, but further research is still needed on this topic. The main symptoms of anxiety disorders include, among others, anxiety, worry, sadness, attention problems, sleep disturbances, migraines, respiratory problems, sensory disturbances, swallowing problems, digestive disorders, tachycardia, concentration problems, tension, compulsive thoughts and behaviors, avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations, alienation, and panic attacks.