ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety Disorders Fall Into a Set of Separate Diagnoses

Anxiety, worry, and stress are all a part of most people's life today. But simply experiencing anxiety or stress in and of itself does not mean you need to get professional help or you have an anxiety disorder. In fact, anxiety is a necessary warning signal of a dangerous or difficult situation. Without anxiety, we would have no way of anticipating difficulties ahead and preparing for them.

Anxiety becomes a disorder when the symptoms become chronic and interfere with our daily lives and our ability to function. People suffering from chronic anxiety often report the following symptoms:

Muscle tension

Physical weakness

Poor memory

Sweaty hands

Fear or confusion

Inability to relax

Constant worry

Shortness of breath

Palpitations

Upset stomach

Poor concentration

These symptoms are severe and upsetting enough to make individuals feel extremely uncomfortable, out of control and helpless.

Anxiety Disorders fall into a set of separate diagnoses, depending upon the symptoms and severity of the anxiety the person experiences.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder (including panic attacks)
Social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder)
Specific phobias (also known as simple phobias)

The above has been taken from the article "An Introduction to Anxiety Disorders" By John M. Grohol, Psy.D., Jan 18 2005. (www.PsychCentral.com)

www.webmd.com