Description of Anxiety

Most people have experienced anxiety, an often natural state, at one time or another. Familiarizing yourself with the factors that constitute anxiety can help you determine whether you suffer from a disorder or simply an occasionally uneasy state of mind.

Misconceptions

• An individual's anxiety does not necessarily constitute a disabling disorder. For many, it is a natural "alarm system" that helps people be more careful and alert, as opposed to a condition that disrupts their lives.

Types

• The types of anxiety disorders are: generalized anxiety disorder, or exaggerated feelings of worry that may not be related to any particular situation; panic disorder, or sudden onsets of panic-like feelings and symptoms such as racing pulse, chest pain and nausea; phobias, or an unreasonable fear of an object or situation; and post-traumatic stress disorder, which results from psychological damaged caused by a traumatic event or situation.

Treatment

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, patients can manage anxiety with anti-depressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclics, or anti-anxiety drugs like high-potency benzodiazepines and beta-blockers. Patients may also participate in psychotherapy, which involves discussing their anxiety with a mental health professional to determine its causes and appropriate ways of managing symptoms.

Symptoms

• Anxiety suffers may experience an upset stomach, muscle tensions, dizziness, headaches, insomnia or shortness of breath. Emotional symptoms include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and anticipating the worst.

Expert Insight

• The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that anxiety disorder affects 40 million individuals in the United States who are 18 years old or over.