Anxiety_Disorders__Diagnosis_and_Treatment

Anxiety Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment Anxiety is a part of everyday life; everyone feels it from time to time. However, when the feeling of anxiety is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming to everyday situations, then they might have an anxiety disorder. According to Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) (2010), "Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. An estimated 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. They are highly treatable, yet only one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment” (Understanding Anxiety, para. 5). There are several different types of anxiety disorders. The four most common disorders are: Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Each of these disorders is characterized by common symptoms and can be caused by different things. This paper will discuss the diagnosis of each and their treatment. Disorders Diagnosis Specific Phobias A specific phobia is an intense, paralyzing fear of something that perhaps should be feared, but the fear is excessive and unreasonable (Morris, C.G., & Maisto, A.A. (2002). Some of the symptoms associated with specific phobias can include a feeling of imminent danger, the need to escape, fear of losing control, and heart palpitations. These are just of few of the symptoms. There are many more. The treatment for this disorder will be discussed later in the paper. Panic Disorder A panic disorder is the feeling of intense terror without cause. Someone who experiences panic attacks is often left with the fear of having another attack. Panic attacks do not last long, usually only a few minutes. Some of the symptoms associated with panic disorders include feeling intense fear, heart beats rapidly, shortness of breath, fear of losing control, and dizziness. Once again, these are just a few of the symptoms. I personally suffer from this disorder and I can tell you that they are not pleasant. Not knowing when or even if a panic attack is coming; is the worst feeling. According to Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) (2010),”6 million adults in the U.S. suffer from Panic Disorders each year. Since many of the symptoms of panic disorder mimic those of illnesses such as heart disease, thyroid problems, and breathing disorders, people with panic disorder often make many visits to emergency rooms or doctors' offices, convinced they have a life-threatening illness. It often takes months or years and a great deal of frustration before receiving the correct diagnosis” (Symptoms/Panic Disorders, para. 1). The treatment for this disorder will be discussed later in the paper. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) According to Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) (2010), “Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by the feeling of persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. GAD affects 6.8 million adults in the U.S. each year” (Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder, para. 1). Someone who suffers from GAD experience constant, chronic, exaggerated worries and tension. The duration of this disorder can last sometimes all day, every day. The physical symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, fatigue, restlessness, difficultly sleeping, irritability, edginess, and gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. Someone who suffers from these types of problems for more than 6 months can be diagnosed with GAD. The treatment for this disorder will be discussed later in the paper. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) According to Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) (2010), “2.2 million adults in the U.S. have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) each year. People with OCD suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can't seem to get out of their heads (obsessions), often compelling them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety” (Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, para. 1). Most of the people with OCD know they have it, yet they feel powerless to stop it. Most people who have OCD do not seem anxious, but because they try and stop their irrational behavior they experience severe anxiety. Symptoms of OCD fall under two categories. They are Obsessions (unwanted intrusive thoughts) and Compulsions (ritualistic behaviors and routines to ease anxiety or distress). An example of someone with the symptoms of Obsessions would be someone who constantly worries about dirt, germs, or contamination. An example of the symptoms of Compulsions is someone who is washes their hands, baths, or cleans their house repeatedly. I have experienced this disorder. My former manager has ODC. You could not find a speck of dirt or dust anywhere in her house. Disorders Treatment Specific Phobias and Panic Disorders The majority of people with anxiety disorders can get helped from Therapists and some may need medication. Of course the success of treatment varies from person to person. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Like all anxiety disorders, GAD is a treatable disorder. The type of treatment that is effective for many people with GAD is Cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or some people may need medication. This type of therapy helps people identify, understand and modify faulty thinking. GAD usually occurs with one or more of the other anxiety disorders. GAD rarely occurs alone and any co-occurring conditions should be treated. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) According to Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) (2010), “OCD is a serious, yet treatable anxiety disorder that often occurs with depression and other anxiety disorders. If not treated properly, it may become disabling” (Treatment, para. 1). A combination of Behavior Therapy, (Cognitive-behavioral Therapy or Exposure Therapy) and medication has been successful in treatment for OCD. References Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). (2010). Understanding Anxiety. Retrieved from http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety Morris, C.G., & Maisto, A.A. (2002). Psychology: An Introduction (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Retrieved: from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/ic/classroom.aspx