|
|
We are all living in an age of anxiety where anxiety is common and an expected part of life. A person might feel anxious when faced with work related problems, financial problems, before taking a test, health concerns, world political events, or before making an important decision. But anxiety disorders are complex and involve more than just temporary fear or worry. For a person to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder, the anxiety is not temporary but gets worse over time. The symptoms can disrupt daily activities such as job and school performance, as well as relationships.
In most Anxiety Disorders, a person’s distress seems greatly out of proportion to the person’s circumstances.
There are several types of Anxiety Disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and a variety of Phobia-related Disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) display a high degree of anxiety or worry that lasts at least 6 months. It can be about a number of things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances.
Panic Disorder
People with Panic Disorder have recurring unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of unmanageable fear that starts quickly and reaches a peak within minutes. Attacks can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by a trigger, such as a traumatic memory, a feared object, or situation.
Phobia-Related Disorders
A Phobia is an overwhelming fear of, or aversion to specific objects or situations. Although it can be normal to be anxious in some circumstances, the fear some people with phobias feel is generally out of proportion to the actual danger caused by the situation or object.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia have a general intense fear of, or anxiety toward, social or performance situations. They worry that actions or behaviors associated with their anxiety will be negatively viewed by their friends, making them feel embarrassed. This fear can cause people to avoid social situations.
Agoraphobia
People with Agoraphobia have an intense fear of being outside the home alone. Fear of using public transportation, standing in line or being in a crowded environment for fear of having panic-like reactions or other embarrassing symptoms. In the most extreme form of agoraphobia, an individual can become housebound, never venturing outdoors.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety is commonly thought of as a condition only children experience. However, adults can also suffer from separation anxiety disorder. People who suffer with separation anxiety disorder have fears about being parted from someone with whom they are attached. Individuals avoid being separated from their attachment figures for fear that some sort of harm will happen to them. People with separation anxiety may experience nightmares about being separated from attachment figures.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
Review our Knowledge Base or the links displayed on this page for similar related topics.