As a group, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America. They cause overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic and unremitting, and that can grow progressively worse. Tormented by panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, nightmares, or countless frightening physical symptoms, some people with these disorders can even become housebound. Fortunately, treatment (often combining medication and psychotherapy) is extremely effective.
(Click Anxiety Disorder for more information about the various types of anxiety disorders, possible symptoms, and how best to treat these illnesses. You can also click on any of the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)