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INFOBITS
40 million American adults age 18 years and older in a given year are affected by anxiety disorders.1
6.8 million American adults age 18 years and older are affected by general anxiety disorder (GAD)2 and approximately twice as many women as men.3 Onset is gradual and can start anytime across the life cycle, but risk is highest between childhood and middle.4
6 million American adults age 18 years and older are affected by panic disorder5 and is twice as common in women as men.6
2.2 million American adults age 18 years and older are affected by obsessive compulsive disorder7 and is about equally common in men and women.8 Onset is usually in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.9
15 million American adults age 18 years and older are affected by social anxiety disorder or social phobia.10 and is about equally common in men and women.11 Onset is usually in childhood, or early adolescence.12
7.7 million American adults age 18 years and older are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder13 and women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.14 PTSD can occur at any age. |
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General Anxiety Disorder
Unrealistic and excessive worry over a myriad of daily problems for a period of at least 6 months accompanied by physical symptoms including:
- Muscle tension
- Easy fatigue
- Restlessness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Irritability
- Difficulty in concentration
- Edginess
- Gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea
With general anxiety disorder, or GAD, the anxiety or physical symptoms impair the social, occupational, and personal functioning of the individual.
The number of symptoms experienced and the severity of each will vary with individuals and varies over time.
When anxiety level is mild, people affected by GAD can go about their social functions and keep their jobs. However, if the anxiety becomes severe, people affected by GAD can experience great difficulty performing the simplest of daily tasks.
GAD is often accompanied by other anxiety disorders, depression, and / or substance abuse, which must also be included in the treatment plan.
"I always thought I was just a worrier. I'd feel keyed up and unable to relax. At times it would come and go, and at times it would be constant. It could go on for days. I'd worry about what I was going to fix for a dinner party, or what would be a great present for somebody. I just couldn't let something go."
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The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone.
Getting treatment for mental health issues is a team effort. In most cases, anxiety disorders can be successfully treated with medication and certain kinds of psychotherapy. By working with your doctor and / or therapist, you can take control to find the approach that is the most appropriate for your needs. There are many avenues for treatment so if one does not work, you can try other methods. So do not lose hope.
Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons.
Taking Medications
Here are a few things to remember if you are taking medications for your anxiety.
• If you are just starting to take medication, remember that they usually take effect 4 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. So be patient and don’t be discouraged.
• Work with your doctor for the right dosage and medication for your anxiety. If one medication does not work, you can try others. Don’t give up and continue to work with your doctor.
• Ask your doctor what the side effects are of the medication you are taking.
• There are medications that need to be tapered off so do not stop taking your medication abruptly. Ask your doctor how and when you will stop taking your medication.
Medications need to be taken regularly for the anxiety symptoms to be managed.
Although medications will not cure anxiety, they will help you manage the symptoms so you can lead a normal and productive life. Studies have shown that both medications and psychotherapy can successfully treat anxiety disorder. |
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