Anxiety disorders

Feeling occasionally anxious is a normal part of life, much like feeling sad or stressed. However, having an anxiety disorder is more than feeling anxious once in a while. People with anxiety disorders experience an overwhelming and often crippling sense of worry and fear. These feelings can interfere with everyday activities and responsibilities, and last for several months or years. Having an anxiety disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common of mental health disorders, affecting almost 30% of all adults at least once in their lifetimes.

Types of anxiety disorders

There are several common types of anxiety disorders, some of which include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder can be characterized as ongoing, persistent feelings of anxiety with little or no reason behind them. It affects nearly 4 million American adults every year and typically begins in adolescence but can develop in adults. These feelings can interfere with day-to-day activities and affect a person’s overall quality of life.

GAD symptoms may include:

• Persistent worry or fear that may be unjustified considering the severity of a concern
• Difficulty concentrating and relaxing
• Feeling irritable or on-edge
• Inability to let go of feelings of anxiousness
• Distress regarding making decisions
• Feeling fatigued or tiring easily
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Panic disorder

Panic disorder can be seen in patients who experience feelings of extreme, crippling fear or terror that occur suddenly and repeatedly without warning (also known as panic attacks). Not everyone who's experienced a panic attack has a panic disorder. Panic attacks may be accompanied by a feeling of impending doom, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling or sweating.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder can be characterized as an overwhelming self-consciousness and worry pertaining to everyday social situations, often centered on a fear of being judged, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment. Just over 12% of adults in the U.S. are estimated to have experienced or will experience social anxiety at some point in their lives. Common examples of social anxiety include eating or drinking in public, public speaking and meeting new people.

Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is often associated with children, but adults can be diagnosed with it too. It is characterized by an extreme fear or worry of being separated from someone a person is attached to. This is commonly seen in childhood development when children are separated from their parents or a parental figure. This anxiety typically leads to fear that something bad will happen to the person they are attached to when separated from them.

Agoraphobia anxiety disorder

Agoraphobia anxiety disorder can be characterized by avoidance and overwhelming fear of certain places or situations that might cause you to panic. You may feel embarrassed, trapped or helpless in exiting that place or situation. A person with agoraphobia typically experiences fear in at least two of the following situations:

• Being in open spaces
• Being in closed spaces
• Using any public transportation
• Being in a crowd or waiting in line
• Being alone outside of your home

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) which cause repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an extreme anxiety disorder that can occur as the result of a traumatic or life-threatening event.

The signs of an anxiety disorder may be different from person to person – but everyone who struggles with an anxiety disorder can overcome this condition with the right treatment.

Causes and risk factors for anxiety disorders

So what causes anxiety? Researchers have not found a definitive answer to what brings on anxiety disorders, but a combination of factors can play a role in who may or may not develop one. Anxiety disorders are more common in women than in men, with 5.2% of females and 2.8% of males experiencing anxiety disorders.

Serious illnesses, depression, stress and experiences like trauma or abuse can make people more prone to developing an anxiety disorder. This is also true for people who abuse drugs or alcohol. Genetics and family history of anxiety disorders increase the likeliness of being diagnosed with the condition. Some research also suggests that imbalances in brain chemistry that involve emotion and fear can increase the risk.

Anxiety symptoms can also be developed or triggered by certain physical health conditions such as heart arrhythmias or thyroid issues. Caffeine and other medications have also been found to increase symptoms of anxiety.

Diagnosis of anxiety disorders

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, contact your doctor. They will begin with a complete medical history and physical examination to ensure there are no physical issues causing the anxiety symptoms. Your doctor may run some tests, such as a blood test to determine if another underlying issue like hyperthyroidism could be causing your anxiety. However, there are no lab tests that can directly diagnose anxiety disorders.

If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, your health care provider may refer you to a mental health professional. They will work with you to find the best treatment to better you and your symptoms.

Treatment for anxiety disorders

If you’re experiencing signs of an anxiety disorder, it can feel so overwhelming that you wonder if you will ever be calm and in control again. Know that you will, and that Aurora’s behavioral health experts are here to help with treating anxiety.

Anxiety disorders can be effectively treated through therapy, anti-anxiety medication or both. Medications can’t cure anxiety disorders, but they can significantly help reduce symptoms of anxiety. In addition, relaxation techniques for anxiety such as deep breathing, meditation, light exercise and yoga may also help to alleviate or reduce symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” or counseling, may be recommended to you after being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy has been found to be very effective when it is directed at your specific anxiety needs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy where the patient is exposed to, taught and practices different ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situations to help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a type of psychotherapy method that involves exposure to the source of anxiety. It focuses on confronting the fear and discomfort associated with certain places or activities and helps people engage in the things they have been avoiding.

Services for anxiety disorders

Our team of caring doctors and counselors will work with you one-on-one to help you manage and reduce anxiety so you can live a fulfilling, meaningful life.

Aurora Psychiatric Hospital has anxiety treatment programs specifically designed to help individuals handle extreme fear, severe anxiety and depression. Our adult intensive outpatient program and our partial hospitalization program provide powerful, practical ways to respond to emotional distress and manage anxiety in a healthy way.

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, contact us at 414-454-6600 to schedule a consultation.

Locations & specialists

Aurora Health Care operates behavioral health centers across the state, with convenient clinics in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Sheboygan, and throughout eastern Wisconsin.

Use our online search tools to find an anxiety treatment clinic near you or search for a behavioral health specialist.