Anxiety Disorders Include
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder - constant worries and fears distract you from your day-to-day activities or you are troubled by a persistent feeling that something bad is going to happen.
- Panic Disorder - characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks, as well as fear of experiencing another episode.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- characterized by unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control.
- Phobia - an unrealistic or exaggerated fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that in reality presents little to no danger.
- Social Anxiety Disorder - a debilitating fear of being seen negatively by others and humiliated in public.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- an extreme anxiety disorder that can occur in the aftermath of a traumatic or life-threatening event
Emotional Symptoms
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling tense and jumpy
- Anticipating the worst
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Watching for signs of danger
- Feeling like your mind’s gone blank
- Feelings of apprehension or dread
Physical Symptoms
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Stomach upset or dizziness
- Frequent urination or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Tremors and twitches
- Muscle tension
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Treatment
Anxiety disorders respond very well to treatment, often in a relatively short period of time. Most anxiety disorders are treated with behavioral therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy) and medications (benzodiazepines and antidepressants).