How to Understand Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are many different types of anxiety disorders that are becoming more prevalent in our society and millions of dollars are spend each year in diagnosing and treating these individuals. It is important to understand that those affected with a particular anxiety disorder are not psychotic and the disorders are distinguished by the signs and symptoms and the stressors that caused them in the first place. This article is written ti educated the reader on the various types of anxiety disorders and the common symptoms associated with them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. PANIC DISORDER. This type of anxiety is characterized by symptoms of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks which has been followed by a month or more with persistent concerns about another panic attack. The anxiety and worry has caused significant changes in the person's behaviors and interruptions in their daily routine both socially and professionally.
2. A Panic Attack is defined as a discrete period of time of intense fear or discomfort that develops abruptly and lasts for 10-20 minutes and includes at least four of the following symptom: shaking, tremors, sweating, perfuse perspiration, short of breath, palpitations or rapid heart beat, a sense of choking sensation, chest pain nausea or abdominal discomfort. Other symptoms the person could complain about includes dizziness or light headed ness, sense of depersonalization, fear of losing control, fear of dying , numbing and tingling of the arms or legs and also chills or hot flashes.
3. GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER> This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by symptoms irritability, excessive periods of restlessness and nervous tension, extreme fatigue, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating and periods of forgetfulness, difficulty in staying asleep, muscular tension and aches and pains. The disorder is characterized by excessive and long periods of worrying and high level of anxiety which is hard to control by the person. The condition causes significant disturbances and disruptions to the person's life and also significant distress resulting in impaired social, occupational and personal functions, interactions and relationships.
4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The underlying maladaptive behavior to this particular disorder is the constant overwhelming obsessions and compulsions that are uncontrollable in the person and results in marked anxiety and distress to the individual. The high anxiety is somewhat reduced by the repetitive time-consuming routines , for example, cleaning the mirror constantly, washing the hands repeatedly, opening or shutting doors, checking the locks. The ritualized behaviors that the person adopts to reduce the anxiety or compulsions significantly interferes with the persons normal daily routine, professional and social interactions and relationships.
5. Agrophobia. This anxiety disorder is characterized by the overwhelming anxiety induced in the person who finds it very stressful to be in small or confined areas where there might be difficulty in finding an escape route or exit. The anxiety is not only confined to physical spaces or places but also includes certain situations the person might find themselves in where there is no escape or embarrassing.
6. SOCIAL PHOBIA> This anxiety disorder is becoming more prevalent in our modern society and is characterized by the marked, persistent fear of one or more social interaction or performance situations that involve exposure to strangers or to scrutiny by others. When confronted with these particular situations the situation causes such high anxiety that it could induce panic attacks in the person. The person then tries to avoid these potential precipitating events. Most individuals usually recognizes the fear as excessive and unreasonable
7. PHOBIAS TO SPECIFIC TRIGGERS> This type of anxiety is also called specific phobias and is characterized by a marked, persistent and excessive fear to a particular trigger or situation. Exposure to these triggers or situations induces an unreasonable and uncontrollable distress and anxiety which could lead to panic attacks. The person adapts or changes their behavior to attempt to avoid or confront these situations or triggers.
8. Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This particular disorder is characterized by the recurrence or repeated persistence of the traumatic experience in the memory of the individual causing extreme anxiety, distress, and sometimes. inducing hallucinatory episodes. The person exhibits increased arousal and tries to avoid the stimuli related to the trauma. This disorder caused significant disruption and impairment in the person's social;, professional; and personal interactions and relationships.

Tips & Warnings

• try to find ways to reduce anxiety, There are many relaxation techniques that one can learn to do to help reduce and manage anxiety and stress.
• If you have persistent anxiety attacks and feel that it is causing significant disruption to your life then you should go and seek medical attention and try to address and get support to help you resolve and manage the symptoms.
• Read my article on How to Reduce and Manage Stress
• Read my article How To recognize Anxiety Disorder: http://www.ehow.com/how_2132698_recognise-anxiety-disorder.html
• This article is written for educating purposes only and is NOT a substitute for seeking professional medical attention or care form your own doctor and health care professional.