In the past few years I have come to learn that having an anxiety disorder is not as uncommon as I had originally thought. In reality, it is actually estimated that 18.1 percent of the adult population in the United States suffer from this, making it the most common illness the the country. Before we really begin I would like to clarify that anxiety is defined as an emotion that is characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical change like increased blood pressure. Thus, when I was presented with the statistics revolving around this disorder I was absolutely astounded. I was also left wondering exactly how I could have ever assumed that I was one of few individuals who struggle with this disorder. There are many variations of anxiety disorders out there, and with that being said I would like to provide with further information about some of them. It is even possible that you, or someone you may know, could be struggling with one or more of theses types.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Generalized anxiety disorder is, as it's name states, very general. In addition to it being so general, it is also a type of anxiety disorder that can occur at any age. With symptoms very similar to some of the of the other types, GAD includes constant worry, restlessness, and sometimes trouble with memory and concentration. Studies have revealed that GAD affects 6.8 million adults allover the U.S, thankfully treatment by a medical professional can sometimes help improve or help decrease the symptoms making it easier for people to get through their daily schedules. Treatment options sometimes include counseling and medication, such as antidepressants which are often designed to treat anxiety as well as their intended use for treatment of depression.
Panic Disorder:
Stepping into another category of anxiety disorders, panic disorder is noted to be much more severe than the normal GAD. Panic disorder is considered to be a psychiatric disorder, consisting of crippling amounts of fear and anxiety that arise frequently and sometimes without reason. Affecting 2.7 percent of the US adult population, this type of anxiety disorder has often been discovered in those who also struggle with major depression. Panic disorder appears usually during the teenage years or early adulthood, it is also connected with major life transitions that many can feel to be very stressful. In more severe cases of panic disorder, panic attacks can arise and be very frightening for someone who has not fully learned how to fully identify the symptoms. These may include rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, terror, dizziness, nausea, chest pains, etc.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
Social anxiety disorder is one of the few types of anxiety disorders that is found equally in men, as in women; often, many of the types found on this list are found more frequently in women. This disorder creates an irrational anxiety for an individual when it comes to social interactions. People who suffer from social anxiety disorder may also experience self-consciousness, embarrassment or humiliation, and a fear of offending someone else when placed in a social situation. Typically developing in people can be as young as 13 years old, this disorder can last years and currently effects an estimated 15 million people.
Specific Phobias:
Unlike some of the other types of anxiety disorders on this list, specific phobias are very often developed during childhood around age 7. The development of a specific phobia is not always clear, but is often linked to a very frightening event or stressful situation. In correlation to specific phobias, complex phobias also exist but are much more difficult to understand where they derive from; however, theories include genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences.
It is important to know that anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and though some may be chronic treatment can help improve and decrease symptoms. Despite this, it is reported that only one-third of those who are suffering from some type of an anxiety disorder receive any sort of treatment. If an individual wishes to seek a form of treatment for management skills when it comes to their anxiety, but does not or cannot do this on a professional level, there are many coping mechanisms that can be learned and practiced safely at home. Some people may choose not to receive any form of treatment altogether, and while I have the utmost respect for their personal decision it is also important to have an understanding and awareness of how we feel and why we might feel these ways; so, don't be afraid to do some digging online and in books as research!
