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WHAT'S AN ANXIETY DISORDER?

People with anxiety disorder have strong fears and worries causing them to avoid situations or develop strategies that lessen their anxiety. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but those with an anxiety disorder have extreme, unrealistic anxiety that makes it difficult to manage day-to-day life and maintain relationships.

Recognizing symptoms early and learning to manage those symptoms will help to prevent secondary disorders such as depression or substance abuse.

SYMPTOMS OF SEVERAL COMMON ANXIETY DISORDERS

Generalized anxiety disorder – individuals have long-lasting anxiety, not focused on any one object or situation. They experience persistent fear and worry and become overly concerned with everyday situations.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or rituals (compulsions) that the person finds impossible to control. Typically, obsessions concern contamination, doubting (such as worrying that the iron hasn't been turned off), and disturbing sexual or religious thoughts. Compulsions can include washing, checking, organizing, and counting.

Phobias - People suffering from a specific phobia are overwhelmed by unreasonable fears, which they are unable to control. Exposure to feared situations can cause them extreme anxiety and panic, even if they recognize their fears are illogical.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental illnesses.

About 1 in 8 Canadians will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

Causes of anxiety disorders include fear-causing experiences, irregular thought processes and changes in brain chemistry.

Treatment for anxiety disorders includes therapy to help manage fearful thoughts and/or medication.