Anxiety & Help

There are several different types of conditions that are classified as anxiety disorders. A common theme among the disorders is that the anxiety is difficult to control and can interfere with normal functioning in life. Anxiety disorders can come on suddenly or be in response to life events such as trauma or increased stress levels.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Feeling excessively anxious or worried nearly every day over normal life experiences is a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder. Other symptoms include trouble sleeping, restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability and becoming easily fatigued from the anxiety.

Panic Disorder

Experiencing panic attacks is a symptom of panic disorder. Panic attacks are described with an array of physiological symptoms such as trembling, sweating, accelerated heart rate, feeling short of breath, nauseous, or dizzy with the fear of losing control, going crazy or dying.

Obssessive Compulsive Disorder

Experiencing recurrent and intrusive thoughts, feelings and impulses are symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Attempts are made to ignore the thoughts as the individual is aware that the impulses are irrational and difficult to control. At times, an individual with OCD will also have compulsions or repetitive behaviors such as counting, checking things over and over or frequent hand washing that serve an attempt to control the unpleasant feelings of anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Fearing embarrassment, humiliation and experiencing performance anxiety in social situations is characteristic of social anxiety disorder. Typically, the person is aware that the anxiety felt is irrational but is difficult to control. Avoidance of social situations is common in people with social phobia.

Treatment

Treating anxiety disorders usually combines both psychotherapy and medication. Medication can be helpful in controlling the physiological symptoms of anxiety while the individual can learn more effective coping skills to manage symptoms during a course of therapy.

References

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Revised