Anxiety disorders seem to be the ‘it’ disease of the year. More and more patients are seeing a doctor about their anxiety related symptoms. Perhaps this is due to the growing amount of research available on the subject online or the wide range of media attention anxiety disorders have gained. Understanding some of the more common forms of anxiety may help the public gain insight into these often debilitating diseases.
General anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders. It is also very often missed by doctors. Restlessness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty sleeping and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms of this disorder. Many patients who suffer from this anxiety disorder also suffer from substance abuse or depression.
Separation anxiety is a disorder in which patients suffer anxiety when separated from the people or places where they feel the most comfortable. This disorder typically begins in childhood but can extend into adulthood. It often leads to a fear of leaving the home.
Social phobia, sometimes called social anxiety disorder, is a fear of public humiliation. Patients who suffer from this anxiety disorder are terrified of embarrassing themselves in public. The disorder tends to run in families and patients with this disorder often suffer from substance abuse and depression.
Post traumatic stress disorder is becoming more common. Patients who suffer from any life threatening or life altering issue such as an attack, an illness or a death may find themselves suffering from this anxiety disorder.
These four basic anxiety disorders are being diagnosed in record numbers. Understanding the impact anxiety disorders can have on an individual can help the community and the patient work to develop a treatment plan that will be successful.
Anxiety is a social disorder and one that more people should take the time to understand.