Understanding Anxiety: Symptoms, Disorders & Management

Anxiety is a common occurrence, and a normal reaction to everyday stress. However, if anxiety is excessive or ongoing, it may be related to an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

• Anxiety is a negative mood state characterized by worry about the future and accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, irritability, physical tension and panic.
  A panic attack is an abrupt experience of intense fear when there is no real danger, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by at least six months of excessive anxiety, focused on minor everyday events.

Panic Disorder

• Panic Disorder is characterized by recurring unexpected panic attacks, accompanied by persistent worry about having another panic attack or the implications of an attack.

Phobias

• Phobias are characterized by fear and avoidance of a particular object or situation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• PTSD involves reliving a past traumatic experience. A person suffering from PTSD will generally try to avoid any stimuli that trigger memories of the event.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• OCD involves avoiding intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause distress, or neutralizing these thoughts with ritualistic behaviors (compulsions).