Define Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by a sense of dread or apprehension, usually with no apparent reason. In contrast to fear, which occurs in response to a clear threat, anxiety has no obvious stimulus.

Causes

• The causes of anxiety are not fully known. Behavioral psychologists interpret anxiety as a conditioned response to associations created with frightening events.

Anxiety Disorders

• Although some anxiety is normal, anxiety that persists for six months or more may be classified as an anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder are three common anxiety disorders.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves persistent obsessions that people try to control through elaborate rituals. People with OCD may obsessively wash their hands, need to touch things in a certain sequence or ritually count things.

Social Phobia

• Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, involves intense anxiety in everyday social situations. People with social phobia are intensely afraid of being watched or judged, and worry that they will embarrass themselves.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a response to a highly traumatic experience, such as war, rape, torture or child abuse. People suffering from PTSD may have flashbacks, become emotionally numb, irritate easily or become aggressive.