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Most
people have experienced the clammy hands and the waves of nerves
in their stomachs just before public speaking or the restless anxious
feelings just before taking an exam.
These anxieties that emerge throughout our days are considered
normal, however anxiety disorders lead to feelings of uneasiness,
distress and irrational fears. When these anxieties aren’t
properly addressed they could result in lost productivity and could
also negatively affect a person’s quality of life.
Facts on Anxiety
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Over 19 million Americans are afflicted with some type of anxiety
disorder.
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In 1990, the costs to cover anxiety disorders in America reached
$46.6 billion.
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The costs for anxiety disorders makes up about one-third of
the nation’s total mental health bill, which currently
stands at $148 billion.
There is widely held misconception among the public that people
with anxiety disorders have the capability to gain control of their
symptoms through sheer willpower. The causes of anxiety disorders
range from biological to environmental factors such as post-traumatic
stress.
Five
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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Constant, intense worry about daily tasks and schedules
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Over 4 million Americans have been diagnosed with this disorder
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Most people with this disorder have the tendency to look at
situations from a worst-case scenario perspective, which eventually
disrupts their sleep patterns and ability to concentrate
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Physical symptoms include fatigue, trembling, muscle tension,
headache and nausea
Panic Disorder
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Common traits of this disorder include panic attacks, instant
feelings of terror that occur often and unexpectedly, chest
pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal
pain, loss of touch with reality, tingling extremities and a
fear of dying
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Attacks usually last a couple of minutes, however in some cases
can last up to one hour
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More women than men suffer from this type of anxiety
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Commonly surfaces in early adulthood before the age of 24
Social Phobia
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Overwhelming fear of social events and situations
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Causes people to avoid social events and places limitations
on people’s lives
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Causes people to feel that others are constantly judging and
evaluating their actions and behaviors
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Ongoing symptoms that are a result from traumatic experiences
such as war, rape, child abuse and natural disasters
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Other typical emotional symptoms include depression, anger
and irritability
Research has shown that the two most successful treatments of anxiety
disorders are psychotherapy and behavioral therapy.
Behavioral therapy is defined as targeting the issue through breathing
exercises and small increments of exposure to what is causing the
person anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy on the other hand,
is designed to help the person deal more effectively with situations
that fill them with anxiety.
Silver
City Daily Press June 10, 2004
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