Generally, anxiety disorders are characterized by a feeling of discomfort or fear in specific situations. They may include panic, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and specific phobias.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Those who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience constant worry and tension, which often interferes with their day-to-day activities. These patients may also experience panic attacks. They may have problems with school, work, and social situations.

In some cases, GAD can be treated by psychotherapy. This type of therapy teaches people to change their behavior and to control their negative thoughts.

Other treatments include medication and lifestyle changes. This type of treatment is usually effective. But the length of time it takes to get relief depends on the person.

Some generalized anxiety symptoms can be relieved through meditation, relaxation techniques, or exercise. Exercise helps the body handle stress by reducing stress hormones and boosting feel-good chemicals.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They will help you decide whether or not you need treatment. They may ask you to complete a special questionnaire or perform a physical exam to find out if there are physical causes for your anxiety.

Panic disorder

Having panic disorder can be scary. It affects your everyday life and you may feel embarrassed to talk about it. But there are many options for treating and managing this disorder. These include pharmaceutical medications, psychological therapies, and self-help techniques.

There are also numerous online resources on panic disorder. The American Psychological Association, for example, has a section on panic and anxiety. They have a number of resources available to help you, including information on what is the best treatment for panic disorder, and what to do when your symptoms do not go away.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, a leading organization in the field of mental health, is another excellent resource. They have a wide range of materials on various mental health issues, and they are known for their tenure in the industry.

Specific phobias

Generally, a person with a specific phobia has a fear that is intense and avoids the object or situation that is feared. The condition affects daily activities and relationships. This can include social interactions, school, work and professional functioning.

The most common specific phobias are animal and natural/environmental phobias. These phobias are based on fear of specific animals, water, heights, and natural environments. These phobias are often triggered by negative experiences.

The onset of a phobia is usually in childhood or adolescence. In children, symptoms need to last at least six months to be diagnosed as a phobia. The average age of onset for specific phobias is seven years old.

The condition can be treated. The first line of treatment is behavior therapy. This involves teaching the patient to relax and take control of his or her breathing. The patient is also taught alternative strategies for handling feelings.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may develop in childhood or adolescence. In these cases, the individual experiences a fear of contamination, bodily fluids, diseases or germs. Those suffering from OCD are often unable to tolerate thoughts of these events and must find ways to avoid them.

Researchers have found that a number of comorbid disorders can be associated with OCD. For example, individuals with OCD are more likely to have alcohol or drug problems. Moreover, if they have an anxiety disorder, they are at higher risk for developing a bipolar disorder. In addition, an individual with an OCD diagnosis is at increased risk for bulimia nervosa, generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. Similarly, if they have a depressive disorder, they are at greater risk for developing a panic disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Approximately one in 11 Americans will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. This condition is associated with anxiety and depression. In addition, PTSD increases the risk for substance abuse. It is not uncommon for a person suffering from PTSD to withdraw from social interaction. A number of strategies can help a person cope with PTSD. These include: lifestyle changes, self-soothing practices, and reducing anxiety.

The prevalence of PTSD following disasters is higher among persons closer to the incident and those who work in the affected communities. Earlier studies found that children and adolescents are not much more likely to have PTSD than adults. This is despite the fact that trauma-affected symptoms in these age groups include regression to immature behaviors and nightmares.

A recent cross-sectional study in the US found that PTSD and depressive symptoms were associated. These findings are reminiscent of previous longitudinal studies of PTSD in war veterans and survivors of lung injuries.