Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Now that we have covered the different types of depression and the symptoms and treatment options, we will discuss the range of other ailments that share many of the same characteristics as depression.  These ailments are known as anxiety disorders.

The Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety or Panic Attacks

Anxiety or panic attacks are often caused by exaggerated and over-inflated concerns surrounding relationships and  finances. This is a normal occurrence, but when the worry becomes extreme, it may lead to physical problems including heart palpitations, tremors, nausea, or breathing difficulties. This is known as a panic or anxiety attack.

About thirty percent of people may experience one of these attacks at some point during their lives.  Once an attack occurs, there is a good chance that there will be a recurrence.  It is important to seek treatment if the attacks occur regularly.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is a common form of anxiety where people constantly fear the criticism of others. It usually begins in social settings such as businesses, churches, or school functions. Patients may have feelings of distress that will eventually lead to the desire for isolation and eventually complete avoidance of all social contact.

Phobias

Phobias are fears.  People who have a lot of fears may develop anxiety when faced with the item of their phobia.  Some of the most common fears that people share are the fear of flight, height, water, spiders and fear of the dark.  Somewhere in the neighborhood of one thousand phobias are diagnosable and treatable when addressed by a mental health professional.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Extreme distress over common life occurrences such as family, employment or other things is known as GAD. It becomes serious when the patient can no longer function in their life as a result of the feelings they experience as a result of GAD.

Agoraphobia

When someone experiences an anxiety attack as a result of having to leave their home, the condition is known as agoraphobia.  This is a serious condition, as it will undoubtedly bear a huge negative effect on the life of the patient and in most cases, their family and friends.

Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

This condition is triggered by some sort of a life-altering traumatic event experienced by the patient. Without treatment, PTSD can be a very serious condition causing anxiety and panic attacks in the patient.

Traumatic events that will almost always cause some sort of PTSD in those who experience the events include war, rape, sexual abuse and natural disasters.

Generally, those experiencing anxiety disorder are well aware of the problem that they are facing. The problem is that the patient doesn’t always understand the power that anxiety disorders hold over their entire life.  This is why it is important to seek counseling or other medical attention for the treatment of anxiety or phobias.  The sooner treatment begins, the faster life can return to normal for the affected patient and their loved ones.

Next, we will discuss bipolar disorder and manic depression. Because the two conditions are becoming so much more prevalent among society members today, we will give in depth information about both.

Xanax Discussion - Information regarding the usage of Xanax and other benzodiazepines for the treatment of Panic Disorder.

Depression

• Depression is a real illness
• Signs of Depression
• How do I know if I am severely depressed?
• What causes Depression?
• When should I see a doctor?
• Is there treatment for Depression?
• Are there any "natural" treatments for depression?
• Depression and Suicide
• Depression and Anxiety Disorders
• Manic Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• Panic Attacks and Depression
• Depression and Alcohol
• Prevent Depression in a Few Easy Steps