Anxiety Disorders

What are anxiety disorders?

An anxiety disorder is a condition which causes you to feel nervous, worried, or jittery almost daily or many times during a week. All of us have times when we worry or feel nervous and upset about things. This is normal.

An anxiety disorder is not just nervousness, fretting, or "butterflies" in the stomach. Anxiety disorders usually include outright fear, panic, and terror. The fright and terror often keep you from doing daily activities.

Are there different kinds?

There are several kinds of anxiety disorders. Some people have more than one kind at a time. The main kinds are:

• Anxiety Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition. Troubles with anxiety and nervousness can be caused by physical problems. Medical conditions such as hormone imbalances, breathing problems, and heart problems can cause anxiety.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is anxiety or worry that causes you problems in many areas every day or nearly every day for 6 months or more. Worries often cause physical symptoms such as headaches, back pain, and intestinal or stomach upset.
• Panic Disorder. When panic attacks occur without warning, or you have repeated unexpected attacks, it is called panic disorder. These attacks can happen many times every day or every week. You might worry about having these attacks throughout the day. It can interfere with your work and personal life.
• Phobias. Having a phobia means that you feel dread or panic when you face a certain activity, event, or object. Some people fear dogs, heights, or snakes. People with agoraphobia avoid going places or doing things because they fear they will have no way to escape or will panic and have no help. Social phobia is fear of events such as parties, presentations, and meetings.
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD begins after you witness or are involved in a very stressful event. The event usually involves the threat of severe injury or death. PTSD is when symptoms continue for months or years after the event is over.
• Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder. Drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, sedatives, and amphetamines can make you feel nervous, worried, or jittery. Stopping drug use for a few weeks usually reduces fears and worry.

How do they occur?

Many anxiety disorders begin in late childhood through the young adult years. Anxiety disorders caused by medical or substance abuse problems can start at any age. Some problems come on slowly over weeks or months. Anxiety can also begin suddenly. A stressful event can also create anxiety.

The exact cause of anxiety is not known. The brain is made up of billions of neurons (cells) that communicate with each other. This affects other parts of the body. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances in the brain. The kinds and amounts of these substances control how neurons communicate. Too much or too little of these neurotransmitters may lead to anxiety.

Anxiety problems tend to run in families. Stressful life events and situations also play a major part. Anxiety is more common if you have few friends, family, and activities. Poor diet and lack of daily exercise may also make anxiety disorders more likely.

Many people have both anxiety and depression. You may need treatment for both problems.

How are they diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider or a mental health therapist will ask about your symptoms and any drug or alcohol use. You have lab tests to rule out medical problems such as hormone imbalances and heart problems.

How are they treated?

Anxiety may be treated with psychotherapy, medicine, or both. The best treatment for you depends on which type of anxiety disorder you have.

How long will the effects last?

Some anxiety disorders last for a short time. Others may happen over and over throughout life.

When should I seek help?

Do not try to overcome anxiety all by yourself. Seek professional help if you believe that you or a loved one has the symptoms of an anxiety disorder.