25 of 29

Write now Article Tools

The best definition I have found for Anxiety is an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse).

This definition seems to quite simple and we all suffer some level of anxiety in our lifetime. Anxiety can be good in some cases as it will motivate us to complete a pending project or it can become dangerous when it affects our everyday life. Those that suffer anxiety to an extreme are categorized as having an anxiety disorder.

Social Anxiety Disorder Can be undetected for years. It is based on a person's emotional and physical symptoms and a person's ability to function in what is considered normal activities.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Occurs more frequently in women than in men and can start in your childhood. Symptoms can consist of trembling, constantly being tense, irritability, sweats, and inability to sleep, muscle aches and fatigue.

Phobia Fear of something that can cause little or no threat. They are usually specific. Some people fear spiders, snakes, flying, heights or being laughed at in public. Symptoms can include GAD symptoms, along with nightmares, aggressiveness and loss of interest in things previously enjoyed.

Panic Disorder Frequent intense feelings of fear that are called panic attacks or anxiety attacks. These attacks can come on at anytime and anyplace. Extraordinary stress can also trigger them. Symptoms are also the same as for GAD and include trembling, dizziness, chest pain, fear of death, and/or hot flashes. Many people feel as if they are having a heart attack.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that is related to being obsessive about something. Repetitive actions are done in order to sop the obsessive thought process. Some people will lock their car door three times before walking away. Some may wash their hands constantly.

Your physician should treat all anxiety disorders. They can determine what kind of anxiety disorder you may be suffering from. Many times professional counseling will effectively eliminate the disorder, or a combination of therapy and anxiety medication may be used.

Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa or Zoloft may be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety depression. Buspar may be prescribed for the treatment of GAD or OCD. Fast acting sedatives may also be used for panic attacks to slow down the central nervous system. These sedatives are highly addictive and are used for short terms. Your physician will normally decrease your dosage to take you off of it.

Some individuals will overcome their disorder, but others may have to live with it for the rest of their lives. This does not mean you cannot learn to control it or lessen the severity.

Support groups can be found on the Internet for those that suffer. Listed are just a few that are available:

http://www.adaa.org/GettingHel p/SupportGroups.asp
http://www.anxietyzone.com
http://www.healthcentral.com/a nxiety/support-groups.html

Your local hospital or clinic may provide classes on how to cope with anxiety disorders. There is an abundance of information at your local library and on the Internet related to anxiety disorders. You are not alone in this illness that plagues over 19 million Americans each year. Reach out and ask for help.

Learn more about this author, Susan Harter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Symptoms and treatment of anxiety?
We want to hear your view. Write now!