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Anxiety
disorders are more than just “nerves.” They are characterized
by feelings of panic, fear, and discomfort that arise with no clear
cause, in situations that are not usually stressful or dangerous.
In many cases, anxiety disorders arise for no obvious reason and
often without warning. The feelings of anxiety can happen over
and over again, unless treatment is received.
More than 19 million American adults live with anxiety disorders.
The major types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder,
phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If left untreated,
an anxiety disorder can make everyday life miserable.
Major Types of Anxiety Disorders
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is usually the diagnosis
if you experience six months or more of continual, extreme worry
and tension that is not based on real concerns. Subjects include
health, loved ones, finances, and jobs. Sometimes, the “worry” is
nameless, taking the form of a constant feeling of dread.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is marked by obsessions – repeated,
upsetting thoughts and images – that you cannot control by
yourself. To combat these images and thoughts and ease anxiety,
a person with OCD spends time in repetitive rituals (compulsions),
such as hand washing, checking and re-checking, and following rigid
procedures.
• Panic Disorder is most often characterized
by the presence of panic attacks, which are feelings and symptoms
such as a pounding
heart, chest pain, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, numbness
and fear of dying. Panic attacks happen fast, appear out of the
blue and take place over and over again. There is usually no logical
or visible cause for these attacks.
• Phobias are deep-seated fears that are extreme, irrational
and upsetting to a person’s life. A person may experience
a phobia to a specific object or situation that isn’t usually
harmful – such as claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces),
and acrophobia (fear of heights). Social phobia is fear of being
watched, embarrassed or humiliated while doing something in public,
such as public speaking, eating, or writing. Agoraphobia is the
fear of places or situations from which escape might be hard, like
being in a crowd.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the long-term, severe and continuing reaction a person may
experience following
a disaster (such as a fire or earthquake) or a very traumatic experience
(war, rape, or sexual abuse). PTSD often occurs in people after
they have experienced or witnessed one or more acts of violence.
Symptoms include nightmares, loss of sleep, and flashbacks. PTSD
interferes with concentration and the ability to enjoy life.
Getting Help
To find help or get more information about anxiety disorders,
start with your student health center or counseling service on
campus, or a local Mental Health Association. Anxiety disorders
are treatable; with help, you can recover. In addition, here are
other resources that can provide information and support.
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