What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is a normal part of human emotion. Perhaps you have felt anxious when faced with a problem at work or before taking a test. But anxiety disorders are different. They interfere with a person's ability to lead a normal life, causing a feeling of constant fear, worry, or loss of control that seems to have no cause.
You may suffer from bouts of anxiety and think, "I just need to cope better." Perhaps you feel, "It's just the way I am." It's important to remember that anxiety disorders are medical conditions that can be treated.
What are the types of anxiety disorder?
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Anxiety disorders are treated with psychotherapy (a type of counseling) and/or medications that reduce symptoms. The type of psychotherapy and medication ordered depends on the disorder that is present.
People suffering from anxiety disorders often participate in a type of counseling known as cognitive-behavioral therapy. During therapy, the person learns to recognize and change thought patterns that lead troublesome feelings. The length of counseling varies with each person, but generally continues for at least three months. People who suffer from anxiety disorders may also undergo group therapy.
Medicines are used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders include antidepressants and anxiety-reducing medications.
What causes anxiety disorders?
Just like certain illnesses, such as diabetes, anxiety disorders may be caused by chemical imbalances. Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of chemicals in the brain that control mood. Studies have also shown that anxiety disorders run in families, which means that family members have a predisposition or biological tendency for developing an anxiety disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder have constant feelings of worry and tension. Even when their lives are going well, they cannot relax or be free from worry. The sources for their anxiety can be anything, but typically center around work, family, health, or money.
What are the physical symptoms of GAD?
- Muscle tension and aches
- Dizziness
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating or clammy hands flashes
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble concentrating
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Need to urinate often
- Hot or cold flashes
- Trouble swallowing
- Pounding heart
How can I know if I have generalized anxiety disorder?
If you are overly worried about at least two things that are going on in your life, and you are experiencing at least six of the physical symptoms listed above, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.
What should I do if I have these symptoms?
Contact your health care provider or a mental health specialist. Describe all of your symptoms, emotional and physical.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can appear after a person has experienced a terrifying mental or physical trauma, such as a violent attack or rape, or after witnessing a natural disaster. The person relives the fear and terror of the event through vivid memories or nightmares. He or she also may have "flashbacks," a memory so vivid that the person loses touch with reality and believes that he or she is reliving the experience.
PTSD can be mild to severe and can affect children as well as adults. Symptoms usually begin within three months after a trauma has occurred.
What are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder?
- Feeling detached or numb
- Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Being overly alert or tense
- Being easily startled
- Having problems sleeping
- Feeling depressed
- Having violent outbursts
Where can I learn more?
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
800.950.6264
National Mental Health Association
National Mental Health Information Center
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
800.969.6642
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 2/1/2005…#3935
