Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Mild levels of anxiety can be beneficial in some situations. It can alert us to threats and help us prepare and pay attention.
Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of worry or nervousness and involve excessive fear or anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition affecting nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.
What are the different types of anxiety disorders?
There are several types of anxiety disorders including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This condition is persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning and may or may not include physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, restlessness, and issues with sleep.
- Specific Phobia. This condition involves excessive and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is generally not harmful. These fears cause such distress that some people go to great lengths to avoid what they fear.
- Social Anxiety Disorder. People with this disorder avoid social interactions because it causes significant anxiety and discomfort. Common examples are fear of public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in public.
- Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia. The primary symptom is recurrent panic episodes and an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress.
- Agoraphobia. This is the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing. The fear is out of proportion to the actual situation and interferes with normal daily activities.
Who is affected by anxiety?
Anyone can develop an anxiety disorder. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders.
How common are anxiety disorders?
In any given year the estimated percent of U.S. adults with various anxiety disorders are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: 5.7%
- Specific Phobia: 8% - 12%
- Social Anxiety Disorder: 7%
- Panic Disorder: 2% - 3%
- Agoraphobia: 1% - 1.7%
What are the risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder?
The causes of anxiety disorders are currently unknown but likely involve a combination of several factors including:
- Genetic
- Environmental
- Psychological
- Developmental
Anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting that a combination of genetics and environmental stresses produce the disorders.
What causes an anxiety disorder?
At the heart of anxiety is the anticipation of a future event. The result is a significant level of fear being present. Fear is an emotional response to an immediate threat often viewed as a "fight, flight or freeze" reaction.
In general, for a person to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the fear or anxiety must:
- Be out of proportion to the situation
- Interfere with a person's ability to function normally
How is anxiety treated?
The first step to diagnose and treat anxiety disorders is to see your primary care physician to make sure there is no physical problem causing the symptoms.
While each anxiety disorder has unique characteristics, most respond well to a combination of two types of treatment:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Medication
These treatments can be given alone or in combination. Psychotherapy can help a person learn a different way of thinking, responding, and acting to help feel less anxious. Medications will not cure anxiety disorders but can provide significant relief from symptoms.
Unfortunately, many people with anxiety disorders do not seek help. The majority of people who receive treatment experience positive outcomes.
How do I know if I have an anxiety disorder?
The best way to answer this question is to be diagnosed by a trained professional. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, do not hesitate to get help. Take the first step today and contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.