What is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are the most common conditions seen in out-patient setting. Anxiety is a person’s mind and body’s response to stress. Anxiety can manifest in symptoms including worried thoughts, muscle tension, heart racing, shortness of breath, nervousness, sweating, shaking, and a feeling that something awful
might happen. Everyone feels a little bit of anxiety which is useful in helping us stay aware and alert. However, when anxiety becomes debilitating and prevents you from doing normal activities it may be the result of a anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.
–NIMH
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called “rituals,” however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
–NIMH
Panic Disorder (Panic Attacks)
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.
–NIMH
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.
–NIMH
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation – such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others – or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.
–NIMH
Symptoms of Anxiety
- Excessive Worry
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Fatigue or Tiredness
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Tense Muscles
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Panic Attacks
- Avoiding Social Situations
- Irrational Fears