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Understanding Anxiety
It helps us get out of harm’s way and prepare for important events, and it warns us when we need to take action.
But you may experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming. If it’s an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder.
The term "anxiety disorder" refers to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia), and specific phobias.
Researchers are learning that anxiety disorders run in families, and that they have a biological basis, much like allergies or diabetes and other disorders. Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. An estimated 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders.
They are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment.
Everyday anxiety vs. an anxiety disorder
|
|
Anxiety Disorder |
| Worry about paying bills, landing a job, a romantic breakup, or other important life events | Constant and unsubstantiated worry that causes significant distress and interferes with daily life |
| Embarrassment or self-consciousness in an uncomfortable or awkward social situation | Avoiding social situations for fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated |
| A case of nerves or sweating before a big test, business presentation, stage performance, or other significant event | Seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and the preoccupation with the fear of having another one |
| Realistic fear of a dangerous object, place, or situation | Irrational fear or avoidance of an object, place, or situation that poses little or no threat of danger |
| Making sure that you are healthy and living in a safe hazard-free environment | Performing uncontrollable repetitive actions such as excessive cleaning or checking, or touching and arranging |
| Anxiety, sadness, or difficulty sleeping immediately after a traumatic event | Recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or emotional numbing related to a traumatic event that occurred several months or years before |
