Everyone gets nervous or anxious from time to time-when
speaking in public, for instance, or when going through financial
difficulty. For some people, however, anxiety becomes so frequent,
or so forceful, that it begins to take over their lives.
How can you tell if your everyday anxiety has crossed the line into a
disorder? It’s not easy. Anxiety comes in many different forms
such as panic attacks, phobia, and social anxiety–and the
the distinction between an official diagnosis and normal” anxiety isn’t
always clear.
Anxiety Disorders
- Specific phobia
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Anxiety Disorder due to a General Medical Condition
- Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder NOS
Panic Disorder
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks and for a one month
period or more of:
- Persistent worry about having additional attacks
- Worry about the implications of the attacks
- The significant change in behavior because of the attacks
Social Anxiety Disorder
- Marked fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to the possible scrutiny of others and fears he will act in a way that will be humiliating
- Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety
- Anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the situation
- The anxiety lasts more than 6 months
- The feared situation is avoided or endured with distress
- The avoidance, fear, or distress significantly interferes with their routine or function
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Excessive worry more days than not for at least 6 months about a number of events and they find it difficult to control the worry. 3 or more of the following
symptoms:
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance
- Causes significant distress or impairment