Anxiety Disorders
Overview
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. Anxiety is a worry about future events, and fear is a reaction to current events. These feelings may cause physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate and shakiness. There are a number of anxiety disorders: including generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and selective mutism. The disorder differs by what results in the symptoms. People often have more than one anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common disorder, characterized by long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any one object or situation. Those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder experience non-specific persistent fear and worry, and become overly concerned with everyday matters.
Specific Phobia
A specific phobia is a fear of a particular object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the object or situation. This type of phobia can lead to avoidance behavior, in which the individual goes to great lengths to avoid the feared object or situation.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is when a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Anxiety (intense nervousness) and self-consciousness arise from a fear of being closely watched, judged, and criticized by others.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder (SeAD) is the feeling of excessive and inappropriate levels of anxiety over being separated from a person or place. Separation anxiety is a normal part of the developmental process of children, and it is only when this feeling is excessive or inappropriate that it can be considered a disorder.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment. This fear often leads to avoidance behaviors, where the individual avoids the places and situations they fear.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. It may also include significant behavioral changes lasting at least a month and of ongoing worry about the implications or concern about having other attacks.
Selective Mutism
Selective mutism (SM) is a disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech cannot speak in specific situations or to specific people. Selective mutism usually co-exists with shyness or social anxiety.
Causes
The causes of anxiety disorders are complex and include a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological and developmental factors. Anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting that a combination of genes and environmental stresses can produce the disorders.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of anxiety disorders involves a detailed examination of the individual's history and symptoms, as well as a physical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms. Psychological evaluations, including questionnaires and interviews, can also be used in the diagnostic process.
Treatment
Treatment for anxiety disorders can involve psychological therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for many anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Medications, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers, can also be used to manage symptoms.
Epidemiology
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 40 million adults. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders.