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Anxiety Disorders Strike Millions Each YearMost people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as a big exam, business presentation or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that cause people to feel frightened, distressed and uneasy for no apparent reason. Left untreated, these disorders can dramatically reduce productivity and significantly diminish an individual's quality of life. Fortunately, through research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are effective treatments that can help. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America; more than 19 million people 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. Recent national surveys have indicated that a startling 25% of the population reported having symptoms severe enough to warranty the diagnosis for an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. What makes these feelings an "anxiety disorder" is that the problem persists for weeks and begins to interfere with occupational and/or social functioning. Symptoms can vary from mild, to severe in which case almost total disability can occur. What Are the Different Kinds of Anxiety Disorders? Anxiety disorders are actually a group of separate but sometimes overlapping 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. 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. National Mental Health Association Anxiety Disorders Association of America Information for this article was taken from the National Mental Health Association web site www.nmha.org home | provider database | mental health library | links & resources | donate | join provider database | contact us |
