Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, and unease. These feelings can be so intense that they interfere with daily life and may lead to avoidance behaviors.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about everyday events and activities.
Panic Disorder: characterized by sudden, unexpected panic attacks that can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Social Anxiety Disorder: characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations, which can lead to avoidance of those situations.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): is characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels compelled to perform.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): symptoms that develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a violent crime, or combat.
Treatment for anxiety disorders can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a typical therapy used to treat anxiety disorders, which helps people learn to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also effectively treat anxiety disorders.