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Anxiety Disorders

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Anxiety disorders fill people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear. Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event, such as a business presentation or a first date, anxiety disorders are chronic, and can grow worse if not treated.

Anxiety disorders, which include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder, affect about 18 percent of Americans ages 18 and older in a given year. Women outnumber men in each of these illnesses, but men suffer equally from OCD and social phobia.

If you have symptoms of anxiety, a visit to the family physician is usually the best place to start. A physician can help determine whether the symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, some other medical condition, or both. Frequently, the next step in getting treatment for an anxiety disorder is referral to a mental health professional.

Additional Information on Anxiety Disorders:

Publications

1.   Anxiety Disorders - This publication explains the different types of anxiety disorders, their symptoms and how they are properly diagnosed and treated.

   http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/ken98-0045/default.asp

2.   Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - This web site contains information about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it's signs and symptoms, treatment, and where to find help. It also links to publications about GAD from the National Institute of Mental Health.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/gadmenu.cfm

3.   When Worry Gets Out of Control: Generalized Anxiety Disorder - This is an easy-to-read booklet on generalized anxiety disorder that explains what it is, when it starts, how long it lasts, and how to get help.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder.shtml

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Copyright © MHA) - This publication provides statistical information on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, including causes and treatments for the disorder.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/ocd

5. Panic Disorder (Copyright © MHA) - This fact sheet provides an explanation of Panic Disorders Disorder, the different kinds of symptoms and possible treatment methods.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/panic-disorder

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Copyright © MHA) - This fact sheet provides a detailed explanation on the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, its symptoms and ways to recovery.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/ptsd

7. Social Anxiety Disorder (Copyright © Madison Institute of Medicine) - This Web site provides a place where visitors can learn about the likelihood of being affected by Social Anxiety Disorder. Helpful treatment resources are also provided, as well as continuing education for clinicians.

   http://socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org/

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
2.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
3. American Psychiatric Association
4. American Psychological Association
5. Anxiety Disorders Association of America
6. Mental Health America
7. National Alliance on Mental Illness

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007