man with anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Nervousness and stress are common reactions to events that people have. When those emotions become excessive, the person develops anxiety. According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety involves the overwhelming fear and anticipation of a future matter. It can trigger a fight or flight response that often leads to avoidance behavior. Anxiety can negatively affect personal relationships and performance at work or school. For some, even a trip to the store can feel paralyzing.  

Common Types

The APA lists six different types of anxiety disorders: 

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder 
  2. Panic Disorder 
  3. Specific Phobia 
  4. Agoraphobia 
  5. Social Anxiety Disorder 
  6. Separation Anxiety Disorder 

Generalized anxiety disorder centers around the concern over everyday matters like jobs or appointments. It interferes with daily routines and can have physical symptoms such as fatigue and restlessness. Panic disorder involves psychological distress, which leads to reoccurring panic attacks. A person suffering with panic disorder may feel numbness, chest pain, dizzy, or shortness of breath during an attack.

A phobia has to do with the fear of a certain object or situation. Some common phobias are the fear of spiders or the fear of heights. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in an inescapable situation such as being in enclosed areas or in a crowd. Social anxiety is the extreme discomfort with being in a social situation due to fears of feeling embarrassed or rejected. Separation anxiety is when a person experiences nervousness toward being separated from someone that they are attached to. 

More Facts About Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association

  • Around 40 million adults over the age of 18, or 18% of people, are affected each year in the United States. 
  • A person with an anxiety disorder is around five times more likely to go to the doctor. 
  • Why one develops anxiety differs from person to person, but common sources include genetics, personality and life events.  
  • Only 36.9% of people diagnosed with anxiety disorder seek out treatment. 

Treatment 

Fortunately, there is treatment available for those in need. Doctors can prescribe medication, or patients can undergo psychotherapy.  Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, aims to control symptoms through sharing thoughts and feelings. Also, cognitive behavior therapy is another option that tries to get the patient to adopt a different way of thinking or behaving. Those suffering can also engage in self-help like meditation or seek out support groups. 

Dr. Anastasiou  

Dr. Alex Anastasiou is also a reliable option for those looking to manage their anxiety. Dr. Anastasiou is a certified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in the field. One reason why his help is beneficial is because he has expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and mental health in general. With Dr. Anastasiou, patients can receive treatments that are best suited to their needs. To learn more, visit his site and schedule an appointment today.