Anxiety Disorders

What is anxiety?

People with anxiety disorders have ongoing and severe unfounded fear or dread. It's uncontrollable and affects their ability to function in everyday life. If they don't get help, anxiety disorders usually get progressively worse. The five anxiety disorders are:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Phobia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Some other things to know:

• About 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders, making these the most common mental conditions in the U.S.
• Women are affected twice as much as men.
• Anxiety disorders usually exist with one or more other health conditions.

Signs & symptoms

People with anxiety disorders often have:

• Overwhelming panic and fear
• Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
• Upsetting or disturbing memories
• Recurring nightmares

There are physical signs, too, like a racing heart, nausea and muscle tension. People with anxiety often have depression. They also may abuse alcohol and other drugs trying to find relief. Performance on the job, along with school work and relationships also can be affected.

Who's at risk?

Nobody knows what causes anxiety disorders, but research shows that parts of the brain that control responses to fear might play a role. Some risk factors:

• Family history of anxiety disorder
• Abnormalities in brain chemistry
• Life-changing events

Professional help

Many people don't get help for anxiety disorders, either because they don't understand their condition is treatable, or because they worry about what family, friends or coworkers will think. But anxiety disorders can be successfully treated with therapy and medication, in combination or alone. If you have symptoms of anxiety disorder, talk to your doctor or other health professional.

Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.

What you can do

In addition to treatment, here are some ways you can reduce your level of anxiety:

• Try not to dwell on the past. Change what you can and let the rest go.
• Take a walk when you feel anxious. Focus on a hobby or other interest.
• Get enough rest, eat right and find time to relax. Stay away from caffeine and nicotine. Don't rely on alcohol or unprescribed drugs to relieve symptoms.
• Get perspective by talking with a close family member, friend or counselor.
• Consider joining a support group.

If a loved one or friend has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder:

• If the person is going through a difficult period, don't expect too much.
• Be flexible but try to stick to a normal routine.
• Recovery is hard on family and friends, too, so get support from others around you.
• Learn as much as you can about the disorder and its effects.

Talk with a case manager

If you need extra help - perhaps because you are dealing with additional health risks - a Priority Health case manager will help you:

• Send you educational materials
• Work with your doctor if necessary
• Answer questions and offer support
  Contact a case manager now.