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National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day Sponsors

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National Institute of Mental Health
National Mental Health Association

Sites interested in conducting a screening, contact us at 781/239-0071 or fax a request to 781/431-7447.

Anxiety: Frequently Asked Questions

• What are anxiety disorders?
• What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders?
• Is there a difference between feeling nervous or anxious and an anxiety disorder?
• How does a health professional diagnose an anxiety disorder?
• Who gets anxiety disorders?
• What are the treatments for anxiety disorders?

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a class of illness associated with unreasonable and disturbing sensations of fear and tension for no apparent identifiable cause. There are several types of anxiety disorders -- Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia (sometimes coexisting with Panic Disorder), Specific Phobia, Social Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders?

Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include unrealistic or excessive worry, sleep disturbances, dizziness, jitteriness, racing or pounding heart, upset stomach, numbness in hands, face or feet, and fatigue. For descriptions of specific disorders, see below.

• Panic Disorder -- A sudden, escalating fear for no apparent reason. The individual may feel like he or she is losing control, dying, or going crazy. Physical symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, faintess, and sensations of choking or smothering.
• Agoraphobia -- A fear of being in a situation from which help or escape is not easily available, such as in a crowd or on a bridge. Often accompanies Panic Disorder.
• Specific Phobia -- An intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as elevators, furry animals, or insects.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder -- Recurrent, distressful intrusive thoughts that interfere with life’s normal routines. Often leads to obsessive or repeated behaviors and compulsive rituals. Examples include an excessive fear of dirt or disease leading to incessant cleaning or hand washing, repeating a name or word over and over again, or checking and rechecking to confirm that a door is locked, an oven is off, or a window is shut.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder -- A condition or terror caused by a specific traumatic event. Often accompanied by flashbacks, an exaggerated startle reaction, feelings of detachment, guilt and sleep problems. Although most people think of war veterans when they think of this disorder, anyone who has survived a significant mental or physical trauma (e.g., a car accident or witnessing a shooting) can develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder -- A chronic, constant worry about everyday life occurrences and activities. Sufferers feel "keyed up," "on edge" and anxious. Other symptoms include muscle tension, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. Often accompanied by depression.

Is there a difference between feeling nervous or anxious and an anxiety disorder?

Of course. Everybody feels anxious or nervous some of the time, particularly if we have to perform or prepare for an unusual event, such as a speech or test. We may feel fear walking down a dark street at night or when we find ourselves lost in an unfamilar city.

These kind of fears are normal and can actually be beneficial by urging us to practice the speech, study for the test, or question whether we really need to be out at night all alone.

When these fears become constant, chronic, and interfere with everyday functioning, however, they become an anxiety disorder and need treatment.

How does a health professional diagnose an anxiety disorder?

In order to make a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, a mental health professional, in coordination with a medical doctor, will perform a thorough medical and psychiatric examination, inquiring into the individual’s symptoms, how long they have been occurring and the level of distress they are causing. They will also ask about the individual’s physical health, medical history, and whether or not the individual or individual’s family has a history of mental illness. They will also consider the possiblity of coocurring mental illness, such as depression and/or substance abuse.

Once these questions have been answered, a diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan determined.

Who gets anxiety disorders?

What are the treatments for anxiety disorders?

Treatments for anxiety disorders fall into two general types -- Cognitive and/or Behavioral Therapy, and medication..

• Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, comes in many forms and can take place in individual, group, or family sessions. In general, the forms of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders are Cognitive Therapy and/or Behavioral Therapy.
• Cognitive Therapy helps patients learn to recognize thoughts and feelings that trigger the anxiety symptoms and to learn new ways to deal with these feelings. Behavioral Therapy helps the patient learn to change self-defeating behaviors, relax, reduce muscle tension and react to stressors in a more positive way. The two therapies often complement one another and can be used successfully by the same individual.
• Medication is also used to treat anxiety disorders. Medications range from a variety of antidepressant medications to specific antianxiety drugs. Often, the best form of treatment is a combination of medication and Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy.

References:

1. Anxiety Disorders, American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1988.
   
2. Guardino, Mary. Planning and Promotion Guide, National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day, 1995.