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Types of Depression.

Clinical | Chronic | Manic / Bipolar

Anxiety | Seasonal | Substance Abuse | Pregnancy | Postpartum | Menopause.

Anxiety.

A genuine anxiety disorder is outright fear, not anxiety. It is a fear that often leaves the individual effectively disabled for a period of time. Anxiety disorders can interfere with the daily functioning of individuals. In contrast, anxiety is a form of mental tension and its symptoms of shakiness, trembling, sweating, chills, pounding heart and dry mouth are easily recognized. Simple anxiety is a normal temporary emotion that is experienced by everyone at different times in their lives.

Anxiety Disorders can be categorized into five groups:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Sufferers with this disorder typically feel edgy, jumpy and worry excessively. In addition, they may have shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or nausea. These symptoms must be present for more than six months and be in relation to several areas of the patient's life to be diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Phobias - Phobias are the most common of the anxiety disorders and there are literally hundreds of phobias. Researchers estimate that 5% - 12% of Americans suffer one or more phobias to a place, situation or object. They experience reactions of fear, dread, horror and terror.
  • Panic disorder - Panic disorders or panic attacks are sudden, inexplicable and overwhelming feelings of fear and terror. Usually the individual is frozen and unable to move. And then, just as suddenly, the individual returns to normal. Approximately three million Americans suffer from panic attacks.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder - Also known as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized as an "aftershock" or a "flashback" to an earlier traumatic event. The sufferer "relives" the emotions of the earlier event and often develops insomnia, anger, fear and social withdrawal.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disorder in which the sufferer is preoccupied with unpleasant and unwanted thoughts. These thoughts are usually accompanied by repetitive routines and rituals that serve no useful purpose other than to make the individual feel a bit more comfortable. People with this disorder may wash their hands repeatedly or check and recheck a locked door.

Signs of Anxiety

  • Anxiety appears from "nowhere"
  • continues for weeks without relief
  • interferes with daily functioning and everyday life.

Causes of Anxiety

The causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood. Researchers are investigating a number of risk factors - many of which are the same risk factors or causes of depression. However, some researchers believe that anxiety is a learned response. They believe that some people were taught to fear certain situations or objects. Other researchers believe that anxiety is rooted in the unconscious and reflects an illness, fear or emotional event from childhood.

Treatment

Most cases of anxiety is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Many researchers feel that biochemical imbalances are the most significant risk factor for patients of anxiety disorders. The good news is that many health professionals feel that anxiety disorders are the most treatable of the emotional disorders.

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