About 31% of us adults will experience an anxiety disorder sometime in their life.
These disorders include:
generalized anxiety disorder (gad): having excessive worry about everyday issues like health, money, and relationships
panic disorder: having repeated, unexpected panic attacks and worrying about the next attack
social anxiety disorder: having intense fear of social situations and of being looked down on by others during those situations
specific phobias: having a deep fear of certain objects or situations
people might also have a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, that causes anxiety. Everyone may experience anxiety differently, but generally, anxiety includes some of the following signs and symptoms.
You should see your gp if you have symptoms of anxiety, gad or panic disorder. Although it can sometimes be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life, try not to feel anxious or embarrassed. Your gp needs to gain a good understanding of your symptoms to make the right diagnosis and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. Symptoms of panic/ anxiety can be caused by other conditions, and you should see your gp to discuss your symptoms if you are experiencing difficulties. It can be just as important to rule out these other problems or find ways to treat them.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including: generalized anxiety disorder (gad). People with gad worry about ordinary issues such as health, money, work, and family. But their worries are excessive, and they have them almost every day for at least 6 months.
More in Generalised anxiety disorder in adults
This condition mostly happens to children or teens, who may worry about being away from their parents. Children with separation anxiety disorder may fear that their parents will be hurt in some way or not come back as promised. It happens a lot in preschoolers.
But older children and adults who experience a stressful event may have separation anxiety disorder as well.
Anxiety displays itself in a few diagnostically distinct ways. Generalized anxiety disorder, in which concerns reflect any of the major domains of life—work, love, money, health—is most common among older adults. Social anxiety disorder, more narrowly focused on fear of negative evaluation by others, is on the rise among younger adults. Phobias generally target specific objects or experiences. Sometimes anxiety roars onto the scene in a sudden, intense burst and builds to a terrifying crescendo in minutes. Panic attacks can strike seemingly randomly, out of the blue, or they may occur with incapacitating frequency. Anxiety in all its forms is amenable to treatment.
We all experience anxiety. For example, speaking in front of a group can make us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy traffic is another common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the united states. Over 40 million adults in the u. S. ( 19. 1% ) have an anxiety disorder.
The information in this section is about a specific condition called generalised anxiety disorder (gad). Gad is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event. People with gad feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. As soon as one anxious thought is resolved, another may appear about a different issue.
Anxiety is a word that describes feelings of apprehension, concern, nervousness, restlessness, or worry. Normal feelings of anxiety often serve as an “alarm system” that alerts you to danger. Your heart may beat fast. Your palms may get sweaty. Anxiety can provide an extra spark to help you get out of danger. It also can give you the energy to get things done in normal, busy situations. These occasional worries are normal. Generalized anxiety disorder (gad) is ongoing anxiety that isn’t related to a particular event or situation. It also can be anxiety that isn’t “normal” about a situation.
Generalized anxiety disorder (gad) involves excessive worry and anxiety related to various activities and events. This worry is difficult to control and often shifts from one concern to another. While there is no specific threat, people with gad find themselves feeling anxious about everyday daily events, current events in the news, relationships, or potential events that might occur.