Anxiety Disorders Rank as Most Common Mental Illness in U.S.
I feared I would not be able to attend my own daughter’s wedding during my many years of suffering with anxiety. What was supposed to be a happy occasion for any mother petrified me. I was convinced that I would ruin her wedding day by having a major panic attack Two months after beginning my treatment for my anxiety disorder, my daughter announced that she was engaged. My worst nightmare was about to take place.
Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder described above, are far more common than most people think. In fact, recent estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) show they are the most common mental illness in the United States.
Approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older—or 18.1 percent of the adult population—suffer from an anxiety disorder, according to new figures from the NIMH. Anxiety disorders are a unique group of illnesses marked by persistent, irrational, uncontrollable anxiety. These include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social phobia and specific phobias (see below).
Normal Anxiety or Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety is a normal part of living. It helps keep us out of harm’s way and warns us when we need to take action. But for many people, anxiety is so frequent, intense and uncontrollable that it hinders the way they lead their lives, causing fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, difficulty swallowing, trembling, irritability and sweating. These are signs of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality and life events. Nearly three-quarters of people who suffer from an anxiety disorder will have their first episode by age 21.5.
Anxiety Disorders and Chronic Pain
Researchers have found that anxiety disorders and chronic pain often occur together. In some patients, the stress associated with living with chronic pain may exacerbate conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression. Feelings of helplessness, loss of control and interference with daily activities from chronic pain can trigger mental health disorders in some pain patients. In some cases, the symptoms of an anxiety disorder may be similar to those of chronic pain and go undiagnosed. It is important to get a correct diagnosis since anxiety disorders are treatable.
Treating Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only one-third of people who suffer from anxiety disorders actually receive treatment. Successful treatments often include cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy that helps change the way people think and respond to troubling feelings. Anxiety management and relaxation techniques such as physical exercise and breathing exercises can also help reduce anxiety. Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are among the most prescribed medications for anxiety disorders, are also an option for some people. Many people find that a combination of approaches relieves their symptoms best. There is no one treatment that works for everyone, so it is important to consult a doctor to determine which treatment will be most effective.
Resources
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (www.adaa.org) advances its message that anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable. The nonprofit’s mission is to promote the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders and improve the lives of those who suffer from them.
ADAA’s website offers self tests, self-help resources, stories of hope, a therapist search, a guide to treatment and a variety of other essential information on anxiety disorders. Visithttp://www.adaa.org/ for more information or contact ADAA at 240-485-1001.
The Most Common Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday things, such as health, money or work. It is accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, fatigue and difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) entails persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears. Someone with OCD often will practice repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions). For instance, obsessing about germs may lead someone with OCD to compulsively washing hands—perhaps 50 times or more per day.
Panic Disorder includes severe attacks of terror or sudden rushes of intense anxiety and discomfort. Symptoms can mimic those found in heart disease, respiratory problems or thyroid problems, and individuals often fear they are dying, having a heart attack or about to faint. The symptoms experienced during a panic attack are real and overwhelming, but not life threatening.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can follow exposure to a traumatic event, such as a car accident, rape, a terrorist attack or other violence. Symptoms include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance, detachment or difficulty sleeping and concentrating. Though it is commonly associated with veterans, any traumatic event can trigger PTSD.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is characterized by extreme anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or ridicule. People who have SAD have what feels like exaggerated stage fright all the time. SAD is also called social phobia.
Specific Phobias are intense fear reactions that lead a person to avoid specific objects, places or situations, such as flying, heights or highway driving. The level of fear is excessive and unreasonable. Although the person with a phobia recognizes the fear as being irrational, even simply thinking about it can cause extreme anxiety.
