Anxiety

Anxiety usually refers to worry, concern, stress, or nervousness. Anxiety, when it becomes overwhelming, can lead to anxiety disorders which are real, serious and treatable. Experts believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. Anxiety disorders range from feelings of uneasiness to immobilizing bouts of terror that can cripple an individual. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America. About 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders each year. Children and adolescents can also develop anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders include: panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias and generalized anxiety disorders. Treatment for anxiety tends to be individualized but there are several standard approaches that have proven to be effective including behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, cognitive therapy and in some cases medication.