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Introduction to Anxiety

Please watch this short video posted on YouTube by freedomff — March 24, 2008 — "Stories of Hope and Courage" features the inspiring profiles of individuals who overcame the disability and shame of suffering from anxiety disorder. TV personality Marc Summers is the host of the video. Afflicted with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Marc shares his personal experience and insights on dealing with this difficult condition.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common of emotional disorders and affect approximately 40 million American adults 18 years and older (about 18%) in a given year.

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Anxiety can be helpful and can help one cope in some situations. For example, it can help you study harder for an exam and stay focused on a task. One can feel anxious before a first date, or before giving a speech.  However, when anxiety becomes excessive (to be considered a disorder, it must last at least 6 months), it differs from normal feelings of "nervousness" and can get worse if untreated.  Untreated anxiety disorder can lead someone to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. It can lead to an irrational dread of everyday situations. 

Anxiety can be an extremely disabling disorder. Job performance, school work, and personal relationships can be compromised by anxiety. People with anxiety are likely to suffer from depression and may abuse substances (e.g., alcohol) in an effort to try to relieve their symptoms. 

Symptoms of anxiety include:
  • Overwhelming feelings of panic and fear
  • Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
  • Painful, intrusive memories
  • Recurring nightmares
  • Physical symptoms such as feeling sick to your stomach, “butterflies” in your stomach, heart pounding, startling easily, and muscle tension

Anxiety disorders include:
  • Panic Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Specific phobias (e.g., fear of heights, fear of spiders)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

How are anxiety disorders treated?   

Fortunately, effective therapies for anxiety disorders are available and can help most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.  Anxiety disorder is usually treated by two types of treatment: psychotherapy and medications. These treatments can be given alone, or in combination. If you think you or someone you care for has an anxiety disorder, you should seek information and treatment right away.

For additional information about anxiety disorders, please visit the following web sites:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
http://www.healthyminds.org/Main-Topic/Anxiety-Disorders.aspx
Content Copyright Felicia Wong, MD. 2010