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Anxiety Disorders

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Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress—such as before a business presentation or a first date. But for people with anxiety disorders, common everyday situations cause fear or needless worry. Often, these people know their anxiety is not normal, but they can't make anxious feelings go away. Types of anxiety disorders include:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Phobias, including social phobia
• Generalized anxiety disorder,
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic disorder

Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million US adults each year. Overall, women with anxiety disorders outnumber men, but men suffer equally from OCD and social phobia. Anxiety disorders are on-going, and can grow worse if not treated.

If you have symptoms of anxiety that don't go away, tell your doctor. A doctor can help determine whether the symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, some other mental or physical illness, or both. Your doctor might refer you to a mental health professional for treatment. The good news is that effective therapies for anxiety disorders can help most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Anxiety Disorders — This publication explains the different types of anxiety disorders, their symptoms and how they are properly diagnosed and treated.

   http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/ken98-0045/default.asp

2.   Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) — This web site contains information about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it's signs and symptoms, treatment, and where to find help. It also links to publications about GAD from the National Institute of Mental Health.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/index.shtml...

3.   When Worry Gets Out of Control: Generalized Anxiety Disorder — This is an easy-to-read booklet on generalized anxiety disorder that explains what it is, when it starts, how long it lasts, and how to get help.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder.shtml

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Copyright © MHA) — This publication provides statistical information on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, including causes and treatments for the disorder.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/ocd

5. Panic Disorder (Copyright © MHA) — This fact sheet provides an explanation of Panic Disorders Disorder, the different kinds of symptoms and possible treatment methods.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/panic-disorder

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Copyright © MHA) — This fact sheet provides a detailed explanation on the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, its symptoms and ways to recovery.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/ptsd

7. Social Anxiety Disorder (Copyright © Madison Institute of Medicine) — This web site provides a place where visitors can learn about the likelihood of being affected by Social Anxiety Disorder. Helpful treatment resources are also provided, as well as continuing education for clinicians.

   http://socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org/

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
2.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
3. American Psychiatric Association
4. American Psychological Association
5. Anxiety Disorders Association of America
6. Mental Health America
7. National Alliance on Mental Illness

= Indicates Federal Resources