Anxiety disorder is the term used to define pathological fears, phobias and nervous conditions
that either appear suddenly or develop over time. It can impact daily activities, affecting the emotions of the
individual.
A phobia is a type of anxiety that is somehow irrational.
Fear is the physiological and emotional response to anything that appears to be a threat.
Anxiety Disorders affect around 40 million Americans age 18 years and above in a year. They become
fearful and uncertain of various situations. In relatively mild cases there is brief anxiety
due to a stressful event such as publicly speaking in a room full of strangers or meeting someone on a first date.
How to Control Anxiety Disorder
More serious cases can get out of hand when not treated as soon as possible.
This can last for as long as six months and become worse if ignored.
Anxiety disorders often occur alongside substance or alcohol abuse, and mask the symptoms.
There are various effective therapies for treating these disorders.
If you believe you may be suffering from any kind of anxiety disorder, ask your physician
about it and the best treatment to consider.
Identification of Anxiety Disorder?
How do you determine whether this is already a disorder or you’re merely anxious? We all face challenges on
a daily basis. Workplace pressures like demanding schedules or
school concerns like exams can result in considerable worry and fear.
People with the more serious problem are those who intently acknowledge this fear and are subject to
prolonged and intense feelings of distress and fright for no apparent reason. This condition can even turn
their life into something uneasy and fearful, thereby interfering in their relationships with family, friends,
and colleagues.
Solution to the Problem
Of all mental health problems, anxiety disorders are the most common. Nearly 1 out of 10
people suffer from it. It is more prevalent with women than with men.
Unfortunately, anxiety disorder is often mistaken for instability or mental weakness, thus giving
the individual a social stigma and discouraging him to seek help. One must understand anxiety disorder as the
first step to remove the stigma. Once this has been done, then people with these issues are encouraged to
try the various treatments available.
If you are suspicious of having it or you know someone who does, visit your physician. He or she can easily determine
whether the symptoms you have are anxiety disorder, a mental condition or even both. The next step is to
get treatment.
Do not be afraid to seek assistance from psychiatrists, social workers, counselors and psychologists. It is also
a good idea to look for a professional that has specialized training in behavioral therapy or cognitive-behavior.
You have the right to inquire which type of therapy he or she normally uses and whether medications are or are
not available. You must feel comfortable with the therapy you are going through. If you feel uncomfortable or ill at
ease, then you can ask about the other kinds of therapy he or she offers.
If you have been under medication, do not quit the drugs abruptly. You have to taper the dosage under the guiding
eyes of a physician you trust. Request advice on how to stop your medication.
NEXT: Panic Disorder symptoms & treatments
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