The term anxiety, or anxiety disorder is really a catch-all term for many anxiety related mental conditions. To simply say someone has anxiety is to suggest that they are experiencing a feeling of fear, apprehension, worry, or other vague and unpleasant feelings. An anxiety disorder is often accompanied by physical symptoms and sensations.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are five general categories of mental anxiety disorders. In those five, there are additional subcategories that make it even more complex and challenging for a mental health professional to develop an accurate diagnosis.

The first of these five categories is called GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder. This is probably one of the most common types of anxiety. Ongoing or continual excess of worried or concerned about every day life and situations is symptomatic of GAD. People with generalized anxiety disorder can continue to function in society depending on the severity of the symptoms. Physical symptoms may also become apparent and include sleeplessness, fatigue, headaches and muscle tension. General anxiety disorder is considered chronic but can be successfully treated in controlled with medications and counseling.

Second, and one of the most common anxiety disorders is known as social anxiety. Societal anxiety is characterized by an over concern about how people may perceive you in a public place. Social anxiety is demonstrated by people who are unable or uncomfortable speaking in public. Many very popular celebrities have been known to suffer from social anxiety. You may want to check the website below for more information on social anxiety and those who suffer with it.

Third on the list of the top five anxiety categories is the obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD. A person suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorders is usually identified as being locked into ritualistic behavior. That is, someone who is overly worried about germs may wash their hands hundreds of times a day. People with OCD may have been unhealthy focus on certain aspects of their life which results in an ongoing behavior to try to limit the effects of the problem. Another example may be somewhat worried about being secure in their home may consistently check doors and windows to verify they are locked.

Fourth is panic disorder. Panic disorder is very similar to the feelings one would get while watching a horror or suspenseful movie. Symptoms include rapid breathing, fast and hard heart pumping, dizziness, lightheadedness and tangling in your hands and feet are all part of a panic attack. The difference between watching the horror or suspense movie, and someone suffering a panic attack is one of control. If that edge of your seat feeling becomes to intense at the movies you can simply close your eyes and regain control. Someone who suffers from panic attacks cannot control when or how long they happen.

Fifth is posttraumatic stress disorder and is usually associated with returning war veterans. PTSD however, can happen to anyone that experiences, a physical are particularly traumatic situation. Traumatic stress disorder has been known to affect people close to someone who has directly experienced a particularly trying our traumatic episode.

This is a very quick thumbnail of the major types of anxiety disorders that have so far been identified. For more information on these and other general mental health information, see the website below.

Abigail Franks
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-anxiety-anyway-84320.html

Panic attack disorders are experienced by four out of five adults. Depending on the person affected, the condition may range from mild to extreme. According to experts, panic attacks occur suddenly and unexpectedly without any definite factor that triggers it. For those who suffer from panic attacks and haven't learned to recognize the triggers and signs of an oncoming attack, should be aware that the attack can strike at any time.

The first way to overcoming panic disorder is to recognize the signs of an onset of a panic attack. Rapid and irregular heart rhythm, a racing or pounding heart, dizziness, frequently lightheaded, nausea, trembling or shakiness, weariness or lethargy, profuse sweating, diarrhea and constipation, a series of hot or cold flashes, difficulty breathing, an overpowering feeling of terror, dread and fear of losing control.

Panic attacks are more serious than simple anxiety. Panic disorder can showcase grouping effects that can bring comfort at one moment and frightening episodes of behavior the next. These are just some of the many signs of panic attacks. Since each individual can manifest other symptoms depending on their body chemistry and how he or she reacts to stress, panic attacks vary in nature.

The panic attack sufferer not only has to recognize the signs and symptoms of panic disorder, but they also must include recognition of the reasons why the attacks happen. According to experts, there are several theories as to why these attacks occur in the first place. The most common reason being genetics and heredity.

Researchers have agreed that if panic disorder runs in the family, the person is more likely to experience attacks when compared to those who have not been predisposed. Genetics are just the root of the disorder. External factors such as stressful life events, unhealthy diet, hypoglycemia and some medications play a huge roll in becoming diagnosed with panic disorder.

Once your condition is diagnosed by the physician or trained specialist, you can then begin to use your treatment options that will help prevent the panic disorder or aid you in stopping the panic attacks.

Today, medical researchers have developed treatments and solutions to the problem, as well as preventions. Two major treatments that are given are usually behavioral therapy, administering of prescription drugs, or a combination of both, if necessary. Seeking medical attention is the first thing you should do, if you have been experiencing signs of a panic attack. A licensed professional can diagnose panic attacks and start a treatment plan.

Treatments that involve therapy, medication, or a combination of the two are quite vital to controlling panic disorder. It is best that you seek professional help early if you feel you are prone to having these symptoms of panic disorder or panic attacks. A psychiatrist, psychologist or even a licensed counselor can help diagnose your condition and start you a treatment regimen.

Nicole Ross
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/panic-attack-treatments-overcoming-your-panic-disorder-127329.html

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and it also helps you cope in tense situations.

Everyone knows what it feels like to be anxious- you feel butterflies in your stomach your actions become topsy-turvy, you can almost hear your heart beat right next to your ears, and you are sweating like you are jogging. These are what you go through usually if you have stage fright and you are required to speak in public, or during your first date (who knows when was that!). These, among other feelings (feelings of anxiety) are normal reactions to stress.

Anxiety stirs you up in action. It helps you deal with a tense situation like focusing on a speech that you are about to give, studying harder for an exam, or staying interesting on your first date to make it to the second, and all that. In general, it helps you deal with any situation that is normally terrifying, especially if you are doing it the first time. I, for one, have many times been in this kind of situation and I can tell you it is only passing. But, if it elevates to excessive, irrational fear of everyday situations, now it has become an immobilizing disorder.

Anxiety disorder can cause you to be filled with fearfulness and ambiguity which maybe felt briefly only. However some anxiety disorder last at least 6 months and has the tendency to get worse if not treated immediately. Anxiety disorders usually occur along with other psychological or physical sickness, including alcohol or drug abuse, which can actually worsen the situation.

If you think you have anxiety disorder, don't hesitate to seek information about it and find treatment right away before it gets into you. There are effective therapies out there and recent research reveals new treatments that can help most people with this condition lead fruitful and fulfilling lives.

There are five major types of anxiety disorders; general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panics disorder, posttraumatic disorder (PST), specific phobias, and social phobia or social anxiety disorder. Each of the anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but all the symptoms come together around excessive and irrational fear or dread.

Every normal thinking person is expected to feel anxious in certain areas of his/her life, especially when he/she feels out of control of a situation. There are many reasons that anxiety creeps to your life but if it triggers you to some positive action, then you are handling it the best way. Stop worrying too much after you have done the best you can on any life situation or responsibility. Let things be, if things are meant to happen, they will happen. Enjoy life for there are many reasons to be happy, so why worry?

Jocelyn Snider
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stress-can-cause-anxiety-752294.html

When a person suffers from anxiety attacks, it can be quite frustrating for the sufferer to contend with. It can interrupt the day to day life of the person dealing with the anxiety.

For many people, it is not just one issue or dilemma that causes the anxiety attack but rather a culmination of things. By finding out what causes the disorder, it can help the person in the quest to regaining control of one self as well as decreasing the amount of attacks that occur. Like previously stated, the attacks come about from many different reasons, situations and objects.

During one time or another, each and every person finds themselves in an uncomfortable and stressed induced, anxiety-filled situation. From being afraid of speaking in front of people, doing a job interview or just meeting people for the first time, it all adds up to people suffering an anxiety attack.

When a person begins to suffer the symptoms of the attack in the psychological standpoint, physical ones also tend to appear from the intensified anxiety level. If the person can pinpoint what are the causes behind their suffering, they can find ways avoid the situations. But facing the problem or problems head on is better than running away from it.

Three Causes Behind Anxiety Attacks

- Social Anxiety
- Objects
- Pre Situation Anxiety

Social anxiety occurs when a person meets someone new or is approached by someone they do not know. Most of the fear stems from being made fun of or saying the wrong thing or also being thought of negative light. When speaking in front of a group of people, it sometimes is impossible for a person with anxiety disorder to not feel as if they will not mess up, leading up to the attack.

Another cause behind the attacks are objects. Bridges in particular can be quite stimulating for people afraid of them. Hearing negative items about a bridge including one such incident as in the Minnesota Bridge Collapse. The I-35W corridor collapsed during one of the 2007 rush hour traffic while it was being worked on. The tragedy killed several people but injured scores more.

Working to get over anxiety attacks around objects is not a feat that goes unbeaten… it is just a bit harder to work with. Working with a therapist will make getting "over" or complacent a bit easier for the sufferer. The therapist will come up with several plans for the sufferer to use.

For those things that have not happened yet, getting scared beforehand is rather common. A stressful job interview that everything in your household is riding on to get. A doctor's appointment where the doctor suggests the sufferers comes in to get the results. Anxiety of a child's impending graduation. All this can lead up to an attack. The cause behind these attacks have something to do with the way ther brain processes information.

A therapist will help the sufferer in changing the way theyy think and find techniques to help them cope with situations that have not happened yet. When using the effective skills learned, it is possible to change the mind's way of thought.

Should you experience an attack but don't know why, speaking with a therapist can narrow down possible causes. The therapist can recommend techniques to use in every situation and may even recommend medication if the attacks warrant it.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/anxiety-attack-causes-what-really-lies-behind-the-disorder-709407.html

Children are subjected to a number of psychological complaints as well as full blown illnesses. Anxiety in children is something that is not to be left without any consideration. Children also have things that make them worried even though the problem may seem very small to the adults. These problems may be considered quite big by the little ones as well as the adolescents. We find that minor anxieties are present in children, but serious disorders of anxiety are not prevalent. You need to understand the differences between these two to realize what the real problems are so that they can be treated well if there is a problem.

Anxiety which can be called normal in children

Children are subjected to a huge number of concerns and fears. As time passes, the normal anxiety also goes off without much effort from the side of the children. The fear of the exams that will be coming up, the fear of monsters hiding under the bed or the fear that is due to separation anxiety are real to the little children who suffer from them. If the anxiety is the normal case of anxiety, it does fade away with the advent of time.

When you need to be concerned

The fears do go over the limit sometimes and are no longer normal, that is when they have crossed a certain degree of anxiety and can not be controlled. When this happens, you can be sure that the child is suffering from a serious condition and is no longer under the normal category. Many of the problems like specific disorders, separation anxiety disorders, many classes of problems concerned with anxiety and social anxiety disorder are quite common nowadays.

A whole huge spectrum of disorders regarding anxiety has been detected in quite a number of children by the association of anxiety disorders of America. We do find teens being affected by both depression and anxiety at the same time. If you do not treat children who are affected by this disorder of anxiety, they may be at a higher risk of getting a lot more problems including substance abuse, inability in developing social skills and failure in school.

It is advised that caregivers, parents and the adults who are around need to keep track of any changes or if the children are showing any signs of anxiety. Children may get away from situations that make them feel vulnerable or uncomfortable and do isolate themselves and sometimes even go out of the way to get rid of such situations.

It is recommended that parents of those children who seem to be affected by anxiety get some professional help. This problem of anxiety can be treated easily and is also curable in a few cases. Doing this might help the children lead a better life.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/anxiety-disorder-in-children-immediate-steps-you-must-take-709336.html