- An individual's anxiety does not necessarily constitute a disabling disorder. For many, it is a natural "alarm system" that helps people be more careful and alert, as opposed to a condition that disrupts their lives.
- The types of anxiety disorders are: generalized anxiety disorder, or exaggerated feelings of worry that may not be related to any particular situation; panic disorder, or sudden onsets of panic-like feelings and symptoms such as racing pulse, chest pain and nausea; phobias, or an unreasonable fear of an object or situation; and post-traumatic stress disorder, which results from psychological damaged caused by a traumatic event or situation.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health, patients can manage anxiety with anti-depressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclics, or anti-anxiety drugs like high-potency benzodiazepines and beta-blockers. Patients may also participate in psychotherapy, which involves discussing their anxiety with a mental health professional to determine its causes and appropriate ways of managing symptoms.
- Anxiety suffers may experience an upset stomach, muscle tensions, dizziness, headaches, insomnia or shortness of breath. Emotional symptoms include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and anticipating the worst.
- The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that anxiety disorder affects 40 million individuals in the United States who are 18 years old or over.
