Anxiety
Disorders
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are the most common of emotional disorders
and affect more than 25 million Americans.
Anxiety Disorders look different in different people. Sometimes
people experience:
- Feelings of overwhelming panic and fear
- Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
- Painful, intrusive memories
- Recurring nightmares
- Physical symptoms like feeling sick to your
stomach, “butterflies” in
your stomach, a pounding heart, being easily startled, and muscle tension.
Anxiety disorders are different from normal feelings of nervousness.
Without treatment, people can begin to avoid situations that
make them anxious. This can be very disabling.
They can also become depressed and may try
to use alcohol or drugs to feel better. Ultimately, their relationships,
job, or school performance can suffer.
Treatment
Although each anxiety disorder is different, most respond well
to some combination of psychotherapy and medication.
These treatments can be given alone or in combination. Treatment
can give
significant relief from symptoms, but not always a complete
cure.
There are several effective medications and psychotherapies.
Unfortunately, people with anxiety disorders don’t always
seek help. They don’t realize that they have an illness
that can be effectively treated. People might also fear
how other people will react to their seeking help. If
you or someone you know has any of the symptoms it would be
a good idea to check with your family physician, a psychiatrist,
or another mental health professional. |
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