Written By: Nirmalya Dutta | Updated : May 12, 2014 8:04 PM IST
South African Olympic athlete has had an anxiety disorder since childhood and was as 'anxious' about violent crime, a psychiatrist told his murder trial reports the BBC. The psychiatrist went on to explain that his actions should be seen in context of his anxiety.
The defence has always believed that the athlete's disability and vulnerability would play a role in the case and hence today's expert diagnosed his general anxiety disorder. It's likely that Oscar is changing his stance from self-defence, to an accidental to shooting to something now linked to his state of mind.
Oscar Pistorius was a hero to many across the world. He was the first double-leg amputee to participate in the Olympics when he took part in the 400 metres race and also in the 4 400 metres relay for South Africa. So obviously, the whole world was shocked when it emerged that the former Olympian and Paralympian had allegedly killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders is an all-encompassing term to describe mental conditions in which the underlying feature is anxiety. Every day is a challenge and for some people it is more so. Anxiety is common in today's day-and-age but when is it too much? While common things like an important meeting or being in a place with unknown people can be unnerving, there are some symptoms that could mean you need to take cognizance of the situation. Here are some of the most common ones:
If these symptoms persist for longer than six months, you are most likely suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are various types like
Generalised anxiety disorder Where you are worried and anxious almost all the time.
Social phobia Where crowds or meeting new people makes you anxious.
Specific phobias Where you are afraid of a specific thing like water, fire, enclosed spaces, etc.
Obsessive compulsive disorder Where you are anxious when you have not done a particular task the required number of times or exactly as you think is necessary.
PTSD A type of anxiety that strikes people after they have experienced a traumatic experience.
Panic disorder When you experience panic attacks frequently and repeatedly over a period of time.
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