Saturday, July 25, 2009

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

By Kenneth Beason

Anxiety disorders affect millions of adult Americans and it is more common in women than in men. The disorder is characterized by having an intense feeling of panic, worry, or being anxious about possible negative events.

According to WebMD.com, an anxiety disorder "is a serious mental illness. For people with anxiety disorders, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be crippling." Recognizing the different types of anxiety disorder can help the person cope better with the effect and the situation that may be causing the problem. Here's a close look at the different types of anxiety disorders:

1. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This disorder is associated with obsessive rituals and behaviors that help the person reduce feelings of fear or anxiety when they're performed. The person typically designs their own routine to help reduce a certain type of fear. For example, someone who fears germs and disease may constantly wash their hands. Someone who fears that things will be out of control may constantly arrange and rearrange furniture or objects in the home.

2. Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder. People who excessively worry what others may think about them may suffer from this disorder. They are afraid of being judged, rejected, or shamed by others and so they refrain from attending social activities.

3. (GAD) Generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is the most common anxiety problem afflicting adult Americans. Someone suffering from GAD experiences unnecessary fear and anxiety towards normal events and circumstances. This can affect the relationships, work responsibilities and overall well-being of a person.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This disorder normally surfaces after a person has experienced a traumatic event. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, may interfere in the everyday life of a person as he or she may experience nightmares or constant recollection of the event. Some people suffering from PTSD may experience extreme fear or anxiety from a mildly stressful event. This happens because the mildly stressful event serves as a trigger for the person to relive his or her past experience.

5. Agoraphobia and other phobias. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of having a panic attack in a public situation that could cause severe embarrassment. Other phobias related to anxiety disorders are often experienced by those who have been diagnosed with panic disorder and other disorders, and are rooted in feelings of being ashamed or judged about their problem. The "anxiety about anxiety" is a hallmark trait of these types of phobias. Another common anxiety problem that falls in this category is the fear of driving.

These are just some of the most common anxiety disorders afflicting people all over the globe. People who have undergone a traumatic incidence, have a difficulty dealing with stress, and those with a family history of anxiety issues are more prone to these disorders. The good news is, there are several options available for treating these problems. Acknowledging and identifying the type of disorder is just the first step towards a solution to the problem. - 14130

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