Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • Symptoms: Constant worry about various aspects of life, restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep issues.
  • Duration: More days than not for at least six months.

Panic Disorder

  • Symptoms: Recurrent panic attacks with palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, and fear of losing control or dying.
  • Duration: Sudden onset, lasting minutes; ongoing worry about future attacks.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

  • Symptoms: Intense fear of social situations, avoiding social interactions, severe anxiety, and physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, trembling, or nausea.
  • Duration: Typically six months or more.

Specific Phobias

  • Symptoms: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, immediate anxiety response, avoidance, significant distress.
  • Duration: Typically six months or more.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Symptoms: Obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) causing significant distress.
  • Impact: Interferes with daily functioning.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  •  Symptoms: Following trauma, includes flashbacks, avoidance, negative mood changes, and heightened arousal.
  • Duration: More than one month.

Causes and Risk Factors

  •  Biological: Genetics, brain chemistry.
  • Psychological: Trauma, chronic stress.
  • Environmental: Stressful events, lack of support.

Resources

  • Therapy: CBT, exposure therapy.
  • Medications: Antidepressants, benzodiazepines.
  • Lifestyle: Exercise, healthy diet, sleep, stress management.
  • Support: Groups, family therapy.

Combining these approaches can help improve mental health, but requires early intervention and ongoing management.