Understanding Anxiety Disorders And How Treatment Can Help
The term anxiety means to anticipate a future concern. Avoidance behavior is the most common symptom, along with tension held in the muscles. Anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of all adults during their lives. Ongoing research has helped mental health practitioners gain a better understanding of the condition. This has led to numerous treatment options that can be effective in easing the symptoms. The following statistics represent the general percentages of adults with anxiety disorders in the US:
- Specific Phobias – 8-12%
- Social Anxiety Disorder – 7%
- Panic Disorder – 2-3%
- Agoraphobia – 1-2.9% in adults and adolescents
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 2%
- Separation Anxiety Disorder – 0.9%-1.9%
Fear is a common component of anxiety disorders. As an emotional response to real or perceived threats, it tends to trigger a fight or flight response. As a result, these conditions can lead to sufferers avoiding situations that instigate their anxiety. In order to be identified as an anxiety disorder, these responses must meet two criteria. They must be out of proportion to any real threat or age-inappropriate. They must also impact your ability to function normally. Anxiety disorders come in many forms, with the most common being:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – This form is typified by excessive worry that is persistent and impacts daily activities. Physical symptoms are a common experience for sufferers. These include exhaustion, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems.
- Panic Disorder – Recurrent panic attacks may indicate the presence of a panic disorder. Panic attacks are defined as an overwhelming sensation of psychological and physical stress. Common symptoms of an attack are sweating, elevated heart rate, dizziness, shaking, numbness, and detachment. These symptoms can be severe enough to feel life-threatening.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – This disorder involves feelings of rejection, humiliation, embarrassment, and discomfort regarding social situations. It is common for sufferers to go to great lengths to avoid social encounters. Often crippling fears of meeting new people, public speaking, and eating/drinking in public are common experiences.
These represent just a small selection of possible anxiety disorders. Individual phobias such as agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces also fall under this classification.
Reach Out To Prestige Mental Health For Treatment Options Today!
Living with an untreated anxiety disorder can make day-to-day life difficult. The team at Prestige Mental Health is dedicated to helping you find relief. This is part of their dedication to improving the life and well-being of patients in the Las Vegas, NV area. Don’t let anxiety disorders keep you from staying present and active in your life. Treatment under the guidance of April Sullivan, NP can bring serenity and relief from the struggles associated with anxiety. Contact our office today to start your journey to a life free from anxiety’s chains.
