Anxiety Disorders
Did You Know?
Everyone has periods of feeling anxious in their lives. This could be due to starting school, a new job, getting married or visiting the dentist. People can feel anxious during times of stress in their lives. This is normal and to be expected. Once the stressful event is over the anxious feelings disappear. For some however, they find themselves incapacitated by anxiety even in the absence of any stressful life events. They feel as though they have no control over how their body is reacting and aren’t able to function in their day to day lives because of this. Left untreated, these disorders can dramatically reduce productivity and significantly diminish an individual’s quality of life.
How Common Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are among the most common form of mental illnesses; over 21% of adults (42.5 million) are affected by these debilitating illnesses each year. [1]
8 Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
1. Excessive Worry
2. Sleep Disturbance
3. Panic Attacks
4. Nausea and Vomiting
During a stress reaction the body diverts oxygenated blood from the organs including the stomach to the major muscles in order for the body to be able to “fight or flee.” This is a primitive protective mechanism.
5. Muscle Tension
6. Flashbacks
7. Social Anxiety
8. Stage Fright
What Are the Different Kinds of Anxiety Disorders?
Panic Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Social Phobia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
What Are the Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders?
Depending on the types of anxiety treatments may include medication and therapy, both have been found to be effective. The decision about treatment is based on your needs and preferences and should be discussed with a professional who is familiar with your diagnosis and overall health. Most people with anxiety disorders can be helped with professional care. Success of treatment varies; some may respond to treatment after a few months, while others may need longer. Treatment may be complicated for those with more than one anxiety disorder or suffering from coexisting conditions such as depression or diabetes. This is why treatment must be tailored to each person.
Most people who seek treatment experience significant improvement and an improved quality of life. It is important to work closely with a health care professional to determine the best option for you. In general, treatment can involve medications, talk therapy, exposure therapy, support groups, and self-help. Therapists will use one or a combination of these therapies.
Sources
- Kessler, R. C., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N. A., Zaslavsky, A. M., & Wittchen, H.-U. (2012). Twelve-month and lifetime prevalence and lifetime morbid risk of anxiety and mood disorders in the United States. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 21(3), 169–184. http://doi.org/10.1002/mpr.1359