What Are the Different Kinds of Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America;
more than 19 million are affected by these debilitating illnesses
each year. Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. $46.6 billion in 1990 in
direct and indirect costs, nearly one-third of the nation's total
mental health bill of $148 billion.
Below is a list of the different
kinds of anxiety disorders.
Panic Disorder
Characterized by panic attacks, sudden feelings of terror that
strike repeatedly and without warning. Physical symptoms include
chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness,
abdominal discomfort, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Repeated, intrusive and unwanted thoughts or rituals that seem
impossible to control.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic
event such as war, rape, child abuse, natural disasters, or being
taken hostage. Nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions,
depression, and feeling angry, irritable, distracted and being
easily startled are common.
Social Phobia
Extreme, disabling and irrational fear of something that really
poses little or no actual danger; the fear leads to avoidance of
objects or situations and can cause people to limit their
lives.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Chronic, exaggerated worry about everyday routine life events
and activities, lasting at least six months; almost always
anticipating the worst even though there is little reason to expect
it. Accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling,
muscle tension, headache, or nausea.
What Are the Treatments for Anxiety Disorders?
Treatments have been largely developed through research
conducted by NIMH and other research institutions. They are
extremely effective and often combine medication or specific types
of psychotherapy. More medications are available than ever before
to effectively treat anxiety disorders. These include
antidepressants or benzodiazepines. If one medication is not
effective, others can be tried. New medications are currently under
development to treat anxiety symptoms.
The two most effective forms of psychotherapy used to treat
anxiety disorders are behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral
therapy. Behavioral therapy tries to change actions through
techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or through gradual
exposure to what is frightening. In addition to these techniques,
cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients to understand their
thinking patterns so they can react differently to the situations
that cause them anxiety.
Can Anxiety Disorders Coexist with Other Physical or Mental
Disorders?
It is common for an anxiety disorder to accompany another
anxiety disorder, or in some cases depression, eating disorders or
substance abuse. Anxiety disorders can also coexist with physical
disorders. In such instances, these disorders will also need to be
treated. Before undergoing any treatment, it is important to have a
thorough medical exam to rule out other possible causes.
The content of this fact sheet was adapted from material
published by the National Institute of Mental Health.
For More Information
National Mental Health Association - 800.969.NMHA or
800.969.6642
Other Resources:
National Institute of Mental Health
866.615.6464, Information Center
888.826.9438, Order Publications
Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation - 203.315.2190
Anxiety Disorders Association of America - 240.485.1001
Freedom From Fear - 718.351.1717 or 888.442.2022
American Psychiatric Association - 888.357.7924
American Psychological Association - 800.964.2000
