In many situations, anxiety is a normal, healthy feeling that can actually be helpful. It makes us alert, aware, and provides motivation. Uncontrollable anxiety, however, is a serious and often debilitating disorder that can cause sufferers to feel overly anxious for no apparent reason. Anxiety disorders are different from regular feelings of anxiety and nervousness that are normally felt in anticipation of big or important events.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER is characterized by an intense worry over relatively small things that can interfere with daily life.
SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER is an intense fear of social situations, in which those who suffer from it are worried about being judged or embarrassed.
PANIC DISORDER is characterized by the presence of panic attacks, that can make the sufferer feel like they are in danger even if they are not. These attacks can happen at any time, in any place, and can range from lasting a few minutes to a few hours.
SPECIFIC PHOBIAS People who suffer from exhibit an intense, irrational fear of certain situations or objects. Though sufferers will often recognize that their fears are unfounded, they can go to great lengths to avoid these certain situations or objects.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER is characterized by sets of symptoms known as either obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are recurring, unwanted, or obtrusive thoughts that cause anxiety and often unwarranted fear. Compulsions are behaviors that a person feels they must perform in order to alleviate fear caused by the obsessive thoughts.
Anxiety disorders affect about 18% of adults in the U.S., and are highly treatable through therapy, support, and medication. You can learn more about anxiety via the link in our bio.
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