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What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is a normal part of human emotion. Perhaps you have felt anxious
when faced with a problem at work or before taking a test. But anxiety disorders
are different. They interfere with a person's ability to lead a normal life,
causing a feeling of constant fear, worry, or loss of control that seems to have
no cause.
You may suffer from bouts of anxiety and think, "I just need to cope
better." Perhaps you feel, "It's just the way I am." It's
important to remember that anxiety disorders are medical conditions that can be
treated.
What are the types of anxiety disorder?
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Anxiety disorders are treated with psychotherapy (a type of counseling) and/or
medications that reduce symptoms. The type of psychotherapy and medication
ordered depends on the disorder that is present.
People suffering from anxiety disorders often participate in a type of
counseling known as cognitive-behavioral therapy. During therapy, the person
learns to recognize and change thought patterns that lead troublesome feelings.
The length of counseling varies with each person, but generally continues for at
least three months. People who suffer from anxiety disorders may
also undergo group therapy.
Medicines used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders include
antidepressants and anxiety-reducing medications.
What causes anxiety disorders?
Just like certain illnesses, such as diabetes, anxiety disorders may be
caused by chemical imbalances. Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting
stress can change the balance of chemicals in the brain that control mood.
Studies have also shown that anxiety disorders run in families, which means that
family members have a predisposition
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