There Are Many Forms Of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders have been getting a lot of attention as of late, as American public service campaigns encourage friends to support their colleagues that are suffering from mental illness. The commercials that can be seen on national television touch on the alienating patterns that often emerge during anxiety disorders, and compel people to seek help and extend a level of support to the person suffering.

But, just how common are anxiety disorders in the US and what types do they assume? According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, this collective condition affects a good 40 million Americans. With a number of different forms, anxiety disorders can vary from having rather moderate symptoms to very strong phobias.

The various forms of anxiety disorders are:

Generalized Anxiety - Affecting some 6.8 million Americans age 18 or beyond, this form of the condition is characterized by a person becoming extremely agitated over mundane issues. People with this condition can find themselves being blocked off from life by fears that arise out of either, justified or irrational reasons.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - With some 2.2 million Americans affected by this kind of condition, it is the least prevalent of the disorders. This condition is distinguished by a compulsion to engage in repetitive acts in an almost ritualistic manner. Hand wringing is a common pattern of this condition.

Panic Disorder - This type of condition includes fear or panic attacks. It strikes some 6 million people and can be a rather debilitating disorder. Since panic attacks mimic heart attacks and other serious conditions, people almost always literally think they are dying while in the midst of an attack. In most instances, anything that has started a panic attack beforehand should be prevented at all costs.

Post traumatic Stress - This particular disorder is believed to affect about 7.7 million people. It is brought on by extreme trauma, such as rape, abuse or seeing a violent act.

Social Anxiety - With 15 million people plagued by this type of anxiety, the condition is considered quite serious. Generally, this is the type of anxiety emphasized by the public service campaigns on American television. In its worst form, people with this condition should avoid public areas at all costs.

Phobias - An illogical fear of heights, spiders, snakes and other such things can cause a person to be affected by a severe bout of anxiety. This condition strikes approximately 19 million people and includes a variety of various phobias.

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent than most people realize. When the signs are serious and they sideline a person from ordinary activities, help should be sought. Medical doctors, psychologists and other therapists can help patients to overcome their anxiety disorders in various ways.