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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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Social Anxiety Disorder
Also known as social phobia, it is having an overwhelming fear of and excessive self-conscious in situations that require social interaction. It is a chronic fear of being judged or watched by others, for instance, standing in front of a group or talking to others, and is accompanied by physical symptoms including:
- Blushing
- Profuse sweating
- Difficulty talking
- Nausea
With social anxiety disorder, 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.
With social anxiety disorder, the phobia can be limited to one situation, for instance, going to school, eating with others, or talking to people. Or, it can be so broad that the only time the individual does not feel anxiety is when around family members only.
Social anxiety disorder is often accompanied by other anxiety disorders, depression. Substance abuse may develop for some as a way to handle their anxiety. These serious mental health illnesses must also be included in the treatment plan.
"I feel fear in any occasion that I need to be around people. The other day, while waiting for a dressing room, I felt as though all eyes were focused on me. The sales lady, the line of women waiting with me – were they all looking at me? What were they saying about me?...about the suit that I chose? As I waited, I started feeling sick to my stomach. My palms were getting sweaty, my face felt clammy. The lady next to me asked me a question but all I heard was my heart pounding. I was anxious enough on my way to the mall. But right then, I just couldn’t wait to get out.”
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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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