We all experience anxiety and stress at some point in our lives. But people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes – panic attack. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States, affecting almost 1 in 5 people.
Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
- Feeling nervous
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Having an increased heart rate or heart palpitations
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating, Trembling, Shaking
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Upset/Nervous stomach; nausea
- Feeling tense or on edge
- Racing thoughts
- Panic/panic attacks
DSM-5: Diagnostic Criteria, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Overwhelming anxiety or worry about things that may go wrong or an inability to cope. With generalized anxiety disorder, there is often excessive worry about money, health, family, or school, even when there are no signs of trouble. This worry can make it difficult to concentrate at school or sport or even to function at home.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Increased anxiety and fear of any situation where this is a level of public scrutiny such as public speaking, eating in public, and big social events. This anxiety usually comes with the fear of doing something that may be perceived as embarrassing or humiliating.
Panic Disorder
Characterized by sudden feeling of terror or panic attacks that strike repeatedly and without warning. This causes a lot of physical symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath and racing heart making it often confused with heart attacks or issues.Â
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