Although it is normal to feel worried and now and then, individuals who suffer from GAD are in a persistent
state of worry majority of the time. People with GAD tend to worry about many aspects of life such as job or school performance, money, health or family.
Even if an issue seems minor to others, those suffering from this disorder find it extremely difficult to
stop excessive worry or panic and can fear disastrous outcomes when there is no reason to be concerned.
They have an inability to relax, feel that they are always on edge, and tend to overthink solutions in order to prepare for the worst scenario.
A person may be diagnosed with this disorder if they show symptoms for six months or longer .
Signs and Symptoms:
Physical:
- Increased Heart Rate
- Muscle Tension
- Sweating
- Hot and Cold Flashes
- Twitching/ Nervous Ticks
- Difficulty or Changes in Breathing
- Restlessness
Psychological:
-Constant State of Worry and Excessive Fear
-Obsessive Thinking and Planning
-Expecting the Worst Case Scenario
Behavioral:
-Avoiding any Situation that Triggers Anxiety
SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is an intense anxiety or fear of being judged,
negatively evaluated, or rejected by other people.
Those with social anxiety disorder often fear about appearing to be awkward, worried ,incompetent ,or boring by others around them.
This can result in extreme isolation and avoiding any activities or events in social settings.
The illness can also make individuals panic when they have to interact with people.
While social anxiety may seem like a frightening thing to tackle, with the proper help, people can overcome their fears and learn how to communicate with others.
Signs and Symptoms:
Physical:
- Increased Heart Rate
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Blushing or Stammering when Speaking
- Difficulty or Changes in Breathing
- Trembling
Psychological:
-Constant State of Worry and Excessive Fear
-Fear of Situations in Which You May be Judged / Humiliated
-Expecting the Worst Case Scenario
Behavioral:
-Social Isolation
-Avoiding Talking with Strangers
-Avoiding Situations Where You Could be the Center of Attention
PANIC DISORDER
Panic disorder is an illness that is often used to describe someone who suffers from frequent anxiety attacks.
These attacks can feel out of the blue and make many individuals feel out of control.
Many of those who suffer from this anxiety disorder often worry about when another episode will occur.
For those suffering with this disorder, panic attacks can happen multiple times a day, or every few months.
Attacks can last for up to half an hour and can make people feel physically and emotionally exhausted.
Although, this disorder may seem difficult to manage, this illness, along with many other anxiety disorders, have been proven to be very treatable.
Signs and Symptoms:
Physical:
-Increased Heart Rate
-The thought that you are dying or choking
-Sweating
-Dizziness
-Changes in Breathing
-Nausea
Psychological:
- Worry or Excessive Fear
- Thinking of Worst Case Scenario
Behavioral:
-Avoiding any Situation that Triggers Anxiety
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental illness that usually occurs after a person has experienced a traumatic event that could have been life threatening or life altering.
Although it is known to be an illness associated with military combat, anyone can suffer from PTSD.
Traumatic events such as experiencing physical, verbal or sexual assault, a natural disaster, or surviving an accident can lead to
individuals living in excessive fear or worry. While PTSD is an exceedingly difficult thing to experience,
therapist have found ways for suffers to reduce the trauma associated with scary events and find healthy ways to overcome fear.
Signs and Symptoms:
Physical:
-Increased Heart Rate
-Nightmares
-Sweating
-Restlessness
Psychological:
-Worry and Excessive Fear
-Depression
-Flashbacks
-Mistrust
Behavioral:
-Avoiding any Situation that Triggers Memories of Trauma
-Social Isolation
-Hostility
-Agitation/ Irritability
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
While "OCD" is a term that is often misuse for people who like things to be super organized, it is a serious illness that is experienced by real people.
OCD is usually triggered by events or obsessive thoughts that invoke fear in suffers.
These thoughts later create compulsive behavior or repeated rituals in efforts to get rid of fear.
However, the act of compulsion only drives more obsessive thoughts and creates more worry.
This worry can cause a lot of stress, physical and emotional exhaustion, and even start panic attacks.
Although it is hard to break these habits,
with the proper help is very possible to stop compulsions and gain control of your life again.
Signs and Symptoms:
Physical:
-Increased Heart Rate
-Muscle Tension
-Sweating
-Hot and Cold Flashes
-Difficulty or Changes in Breathing
Psychological:
-Worry or Excessive Fear
-Depression
Behavioral:
-Ritualistic Behavior
-Social Isolation
-Compulsive Behavior
-Agitation
-Compulsive Hoarding
-Hypervigilance
LEARN MORE
References:
International Institute of Mental Health. "Anxiety Disorders"
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml Accessed 1,May 2020