What Is An Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders tend to manifest as feelings of excessive and not proportional fear and worry over a variety of situations. It is typical for people with anxiety disorders to avoid certain people, places, or situations that may exacerbate their anxiety or trigger an episode. Anxiety disorders can develop at any age, as they are seen in both children and adults. While the core cause of anxiety disorders is currently unknown, there is a general suggestion that genetics and environmental stressors can play a part in the development of these conditions. To be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, one must fit the following criteria:
• Fear or anxiety is not appropriately proportional to a given situation
• The ability to normally function is negatively impacted due to anxiety
Currently, there are a number of recognized anxiety-related conditions for which treatment is available. The most common anxiety disorders include:
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Specific phobias