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What is Anxiety?

Posted on June 8, 2010

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 19 million adults in America. Anxiety disorders are chronic and can become progressively worse if not treated. There are different types of anxiety disorders. Each one has different symptoms. The table below describes the types of disorders, their symptoms, and treatments.

Disorder
Symptoms
Treatment
Panic Disorder Feelings of terror that strike suddenly, repeatedly, and without warning; referred to as “panic attacks”
  • Chest pains or pounding heart
  • Faintness or weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Hot and sweaty sensations
  • Nausea
  • Smothering sensations
  • Feeling out of touch with reality
  • Feelings of doom and lack of control
 Medication and psychotherapy
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Thoughts or rituals that a person feels unable to control
  • Obsession with germs or dirt
  • Feelings of doubt; having to check things repeatedly
  • Thoughts of violence
  • Need for symmetry and order
  • Spending extended periods of time touching things
  • Having persistent unwelcome thoughts
 Medication and psychotherapy
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder A condition that may develop after a terrifying event
  • Nightmares of the event
  • Disturbing recollections while awake
  • Sleep problems
  • Being easily startled
  • Feeling detached and emotionally numb
  • Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
  • Irritability
 Medication and psychotherapy that specifically target the symptoms
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Chronic anxiety that fills the person’s day with excessive worry and tension, even when there isn’t a specific event to trigger these feelings
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tension
  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Hot flashes
Most often treated with medications; if other disorders present, medication and psychotherapy.
Medication – A psychiatrist or your PCP can prescribe medication for anxiety disorders. They also will work closely with a therapist to treat these disorders.
Psychotherapy – Some people choose psychotherapy to treat their anxiety disorder.

Medication and psychotherapy are often combined. Just remember, if one type of treatment doesn’t seem to work, it is likely that another will, so don’t give up! Resources National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) www.nami.org 800.950.NAMI (6264) National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov 866.615.6464

Categories: Health Information, Summer 2010

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