Definition of Anxiety Disorders and Facts

Anxiety disorders are classified into different categories such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder(SAD), and phobias. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also closely related to anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive worrying about everyday things. Panic disorder is described as "out of the blue" panic attacks that happen unexpectedly and even possibly during sleep. Social anxiety disorder is characterized as an extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is described as unwanted thoughts (obsession) that cause a person to repeatedly perform a routine (compulsion) to ease their anxiety. PTSD occurs in people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatizing event causing them to have flashbacks or nightmares. 

Here are some interesting facts about anxiety disorders:

• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States affecting about 40 million adults.
• Only about one-third of the people affected by anxiety disorder receive treatment.
• It is also not uncommon for someone with anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression.  
• Women are twice as likely to be affected than men for GAD, panic disorder, and phobias.
• Social anxiety disorder can develop equally among men and women usually around the age of 13.
• GAD affects about 6.8 million adults in the U.S.
• Panic disorder affects about 6 million adults in the U.S.
• Social anxiety disorder affects about 15 million adults in the U.S.
• Phobias affect about 19 million adults in the US.

Next: Medications For Each Anxiety Disorder