The Many Faces of Anxiety

We have all experienced anxious feelings at some point. There are several different anxiety disorders. They all look a bit different from each other and require special treatment techniques to be overcome.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

  • Agoraphobia

  • Panic Disorder

  • Social Anxiety Disorder

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Others not covered in this article include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety Disorder due to a general medical condition, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Specific Phobia.

Agoraphobia

Out of all the anxiety disorders, agoraphobia is the most common, affecting about 5% of the population. Agoraphobia is a fear of panic attacks, resulting in the person avoiding places where escape might be difficult. The avoidance of crowded public places or enclosed spaces is very common. Agoraphobics are very fearful of what others will think of them if they lose control and have a panic attack. Many are even more fearful of being away from a safe place or a “safe person.”

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder typically develops during late adolescence or early twenties. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden episodes of acute apprehension or intense fear that occurs “out of the blue”. During the panic, any of the following symptoms may occur:

  • Shortness of Breath

  • Heart Palpitations/Discomfort

  • Dizziness/Faintness

  • Trembling or Shaking

  • Feeling of Choking

  • Abdominal Distress/Nausea

  • Feeling of Unreality as if You are “Not Really Here”

  • Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet

  • Often Initiates Physical Fights

  • Hot and Cold Flashes

  • Fear of Going Crazy or Losing Control

  • Fear of Dying

Four of these symptoms must be present to classify as a full-blown panic attack. Since many of these symptoms mimic a wide variety of medical concerns, it is difficult to distinguish a panic attack from a general medical condition.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder, affecting 2-3% of the population, involves a fear of embarrassment or humiliation in situations where you are exposed to the scrutiny of others. Typically, the person’s concern is that they will say or do something that will cause others to negatively judge or evaluate them.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by obsessions, which are recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that cause marked anxiety or distress, and/or by compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors (i.e., hand washing checking, ordering) or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, which serves to neutralize the anxiety. Obsessive-compulsive disorder also affects 2-3% of the population.

Causes & Treatments for Anxiety

Long term causes of anxiety disorders include a combination of heredity, childhood circumstances, and cumulative stress over time that was not dealt with in a healthy way. Short term, triggering causes to anxiety disorders include any significant life change or personal loss.

 

Self-destructive, distorted thoughts and a mistaken belief system can also contribute to any anxiety disorder. Over-worrying, anxious self-talk, a lack of assertiveness, pent-up feelings, and a lack of self-nurturing skills all play a role in the intensity and length of time an anxiety disorder affects one’s life. A person’s diet can also play a role in the perpetuation of an anxiety disorder, such as the overconsumption of caffeine, nicotine, and sugar.

Treatment options for people who have anxiety disorders include a combination of:

  • Medication therapy

  • Individual psychotherapy

  • Stress management training

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy

  • Self-esteem and assertiveness training

  • Play Therapy (children)

Without treatment, less than 25% of all patients who seek medical care will truly recover. People suffering from anxiety disorders can lead to more productive, happier lives with treatment and support from family and friends.

 

If anxiety is interfering with your life, speak to a mental health professional about available treatment options. Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, LLC has offices in Medina and Akron, Ohio. Both of these locations have multiple counselors who specialize in working with anxiety.

Nicki Masters