Anxiety is a common human emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Nearly everyone experiences some anxiety in their life.
However, for some people, anxiety can become an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations. This intense anxiety is called an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and be overly concerned about money, health, family, work or other issues.
- Social anxiety disorder: Also called social phobia, this involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. Someone with social anxiety may worry for days or weeks before an event where they must socialize.
- Panic disorder: This features sudden, repeated attacks of extreme fear or panic, often for no apparent reason. It may include heart palpitations, feeling dizzy, shortness of breath or severe anxiety.
- Phobias: These are intense fears around certain objects or situations, such as enclosed spaces, heights, or flying. Someone with a phobia will try to avoid the thing that triggers anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are real, serious medical conditions, not a normal part of life. Treatment does exist and can help. Possible treatments include therapy, medication or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients learn new ways of thinking, coping and behaving to help them manage their anxiety symptoms. Relaxation techniques and deep breathing may also help relieve anxiety.
In short, while some anxiety is normal, millions of people suffer from excessive, irrational anxiety that disrupts their daily life. But with the right treatment plan, anxiety disorders can be managed so sufferers can live full, healthy lives.