Anxiety Conditions
Most people experience anxiety. For example, speaking in front of a group can make us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy traffic is another common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause.
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health concern in the United States. More than 1 in 6 U.S. adults (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder and 1 in 9 U.S. youth ages 3-17 (11%) also experience problems with anxiety. Most people develop symptoms before age 21.
Causes
Many factors can impact whether a person develops an anxiety disorder, including:
Genetics: Research suggests that anxiety disorders “run in families;” children of parents with anxiety disorders are more likely to experience anxiety disorders compared to children of parents without anxiety.
Environment: A stressful or traumatic event such as abuse, death of a loved one, violence or prolonged illness is often linked to the development of an anxiety disorder.
Related Conditions
Anxiety disorders can occur along with other mental health conditions, and they can often make those conditions worse. It’s important to speak with a mental health provider and discuss all the different symptoms or conditions you’re experiencing to get the most appropriate treatment.
Substance use disorders / Dual diagnosis
Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. People typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Emotional symptoms:
Feelings of apprehension or dread
Feeling tense or jumpy
Restlessness or irritability
Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger
Physical symptoms:
Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
Sweating, tremors and twitches
Headaches, fatigue and insomnia
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Types Of Anxiety Disorders
The most common types of anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. The worry can consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. A person with GAD may become exhausted by worry and experience headaches, tension or nausea.
Social Anxiety Disorder
More than shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often driven by irrational worries about humiliation (for example, saying something “stupid” or not knowing what to say at all). Someone with social anxiety disorder may not take part in conversations, contribute to class discussions or offer their ideas, and may become isolated. Panic attacks are a common reaction to anticipated or forced social interaction.
Panic Disorder
This disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. Often mistaken for a heart attack, a panic attack causes powerful physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Many people will go to desperate measures to avoid an attack, including social isolation.
Phobias
We all tend to avoid certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or even fearful. But for someone with a phobia, certain places, events or objects create powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear. Most people with specific phobias have multiple triggers that can set off intense fear. To prevent panic, they often go to great lengths to avoid those triggers. Depending on the type and number of triggers, attempts to control fear can take over a person’s life.
Other anxiety disorders include:
Agoraphobia
Selective mutism
Separation anxiety disorder
Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, involving intoxication or withdrawal or medication treatment
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
Most people experience anxiety. For example, speaking in front of a group can make us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy traffic is another common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause.
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health concern in the United States. More than 1 in 6 U.S. adults (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder and 1 in 9 U.S. youth ages 3-17 (11%) also experience problems with anxiety. Most people develop symptoms before age 21.
Causes
Many factors can impact whether a person develops an anxiety disorder, including:
Genetics: Research suggests that anxiety disorders “run in families;” children of parents with anxiety disorders are more likely to experience anxiety disorders compared to children of parents without anxiety.
Environment: A stressful or traumatic event such as abuse, death of a loved one, violence or prolonged illness is often linked to the development of an anxiety disorder.
Related Conditions
Anxiety disorders can occur along with other mental health conditions, and they can often make those conditions worse. It’s important to speak with a mental health provider and discuss all the different symptoms or conditions you’re experiencing to get the most appropriate treatment.
Substance use disorders / Dual diagnosis
Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. People typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Emotional symptoms:
Feelings of apprehension or dread
Feeling tense or jumpy
Restlessness or irritability
Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger
Physical symptoms:
Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
Sweating, tremors and twitches
Headaches, fatigue and insomnia
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Types Of Anxiety Disorders
The most common types of anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. The worry can consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. A person with GAD may become exhausted by worry and experience headaches, tension or nausea.
Social Anxiety Disorder
More than shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often driven by irrational worries about humiliation (for example, saying something “stupid” or not knowing what to say at all). Someone with social anxiety disorder may not take part in conversations, contribute to class discussions or offer their ideas, and may become isolated. Panic attacks are a common reaction to anticipated or forced social interaction.
Panic Disorder
This disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. Often mistaken for a heart attack, a panic attack causes powerful physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Many people will go to desperate measures to avoid an attack, including social isolation.
Phobias
We all tend to avoid certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or even fearful. But for someone with a phobia, certain places, events or objects create powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear. Most people with specific phobias have multiple triggers that can set off intense fear. To prevent panic, they often go to great lengths to avoid those triggers. Depending on the type and number of triggers, attempts to control fear can take over a person’s life.
Other anxiety disorders include:
Agoraphobia
Selective mutism
Separation anxiety disorder
Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, involving intoxication or withdrawal or medication treatment