Anxiety is Normal in Stressful Times

SILVER SPRING, MD (OCTOBER 24, 2002) - In stressful times, for example when there is the threat of a terrorist attack, or when a sniper is terrorizing the area in which you live, feelings of anxiety are normal. Even when the immediate threat seems lifted, there may be residual anxiety. However, there is a real difference between having anxious feelings due to an immediate threat and having an anxiety disorder, which is a chronic condition characterized by unrelenting, disruptive and extreme anxiety.

"I would be worried if a person wasn't feeling unsettled with what has been going on in the Washington, DC area in the past several weeks. Feeling agitated, having difficulty sleeping, being unable to concentrate or having a heightened awareness of your surroundings are all normal reactions to extremely stressful situations," says Jerilyn Ross, M.A., L.I.C.S.W., President and CEO of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

To keep anxiety under control during stressful times, it is important for people to:

If anxieties do not subside after the threat is lifted there may be cause for concern. According to Jerilyn Ross, "When anxieties become persistent and overwhelming, and interfere with daily life, an individual may be suffering from an anxiety disorder and should seek professional help." Anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable. 19.1 million Americans between the ages of 18-54 suffer from one of the five anxiety disorders classified as: Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Phobias, which include Agoraphobia, Specific Phobia and Social Phobia. Experts believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors, much like physical disorders such as heart disease or diabetes. They are treatable with medication and/or psychosocial treatments.
The ADAA has a referral database for people who feel that their anxiety is overwhelming or is interfering with their lives. For more information about anxiety disorders, or to find a therapist, individuals can visit the ADAA website at www.adaa.org, or call 240-485-1001.

About the ADAA
The ADAA is the only national, nonprofit partnership of researchers, health care professionals, and individuals dedicated solely to the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of anxiety disorders. It is the Association's goal to promote professional and public awareness and understanding of anxiety disorders; it also seeks to increase the availability of effective treatment, reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders, and stimulate research. For more information on the ADAA, or on anxiety disorders, please go to the website at www.adaa.org.