Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or panic attacks, are illnesses that fill people's lives with overwhelming worry and fear. Regardless of the type, the anxiety that a person feels is generally chronic, unremitting, and can grow progressively worse. Several conditions are related to extreme anxiety; fortunately, treatments for the condition can be effective at any age.
Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event, such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date.
Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that load people's lives with 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 anxiety disorders even become housebound.
Anxiety disorders, as a group, are the most common mental illness in America. More than 19 million adults in America are affected by these debilitating illnesses each year. Children and adolescents can also develop anxiety disorders
(see Anxiety in Children).
There are several types of anxiety disorders. These anxiety disorders include:
Each
anxiety disorder has its own distinct features, but they are all bound together by the common theme of excessive, irrational fear and dread.
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