It is normal to feel stress and anxiety in some situations. But if you experience excessive fear or anxiety, you might have an anxiety disorder. Nearly 30 percent of adults suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Those who seek treatment tend to have positive outcomes. 

Types of anxiety disorders

Before you find out if you need treatment, you may want to familiarize yourself with the different types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized anxiety disorder

People with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively about a variety of different things. They might obsess about family or health issues or spend days and nights worrying about money. It is very hard for people with generalized anxiety disorder to control and alleviate the worry.

People with this disorder often have trouble concentrating and might suffer from insomnia. Muscle tension and fatigue are also symptoms of this disorder.

Panic disorder

Those who have panic disorder suffer from recurrent panic attacks. These attacks are acute in nature and often cause people to think they are having a heart attack.

Common symptoms include palpitations, sweating, chest pain, shaking and feeling light-headed. People often feel as if they are losing control and fear they might die when suffering through a panic attack.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is diagnosed when people have a significant amount of fear and anxiety regarding social interactions. People with social anxiety disorder tend to avoid situations where they experience this fear. That means they might not be willing to speak in public, meet new people or even attend social events.

In severe cases, social anxiety disorder interferes with people's daily lives. They can become withdrawn from society if it is left untreated.

Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder often presents itself in childhood. Children who become anxious about sleeping away from home or spending time away from their parents might have this disorder.

While it is commonly associated with children, adults can suffer from separation anxiety disorder as well. Adults with this disorder are fearful they will lose someone they love. They are often afraid to leave the person’s sight and might even have nightmares about losing that person.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia refers to a fear of places and situations that make people feel helpless or trapped. The idea of not being able to escape can cause the anxiety to intensify.

Symptoms include the fear of leaving home, crowds, waiting in line, enclosed spaces, open spaces and public transportation. Treatment usually includes confronting these fears. While the treatment process is slow, it can also be rewarding.

Get help for an anxiety disorder

If you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder or agoraphobia, you are not alone. Countless people have anxiety disorders, and treatment is available to alleviate the symptoms. A psychiatrist can provide medication, while a therapist will help you get to the root of the issue. When you combine medication and talk therapy, you can finally get your life back on track.

Request an appointment here: http://houston-psychiatrist.com or call Wholehealth PLLC at (832) 831-3183 for an appointment in our Houston office.

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