Anxiety Disorders

GAD is defined by anxiety symptoms that have occurred for a period of six months or longer. Symptoms can include an ongoing sense of worry without a clearly defined cause, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and feeling wound up or on edge. Sudden outbursts and mood swings may also occur with GAD.

OCD is often mischaracterized in popular culture. It is a common anxiety disorder indicated by recurrent unwanted thoughts and repetitive, compulsory behaviors. For example, obsessing over the presence of germs and washing the hands excessively throughout the day can be a sign of OCD. In this case, washing the hands would provide temporary relief from anxiety, but the habit may be so frequent that the skin on the hands begins to crack and peel. When compulsive behaviors—even those with negative side effects—are not performed in a regular ritual, anxiety can spike dramatically.

Panic attacks may be isolated events. However, for individuals with panic disorder, they are a regular occurrence brought on by a variety of triggers. Having a panic attack can feel like a heart attack. In addition, a panic attack may cause feelings of impending doom or a loss of control. Regular panic attacks may significantly disrupt daily routines and cause difficulty working, maintaining relationships, or attending school.

PTSD is most commonly associated with veterans, but it can occur in any individual who has been exposed to a situation in which physical harm took place or was threatened. With PTSD, an individual may experience dramatic physical and mental reactions, particularly when reminded of the events that triggered the disorder. For example, the victim of a physical assault may have a violent reaction to a T.V. show in which a character is held at gunpoint.