Anxiety Disorders: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Steven A. King, M.D.
- Anxiety disorders are conditions that cause a person to feel
anxious or distressed for no logical reason.
- About 40 million Americans are affected by anxiety
disorders.
- They are among the most common mental illnesses in
America.
- Anxiety disorders account for one-third of the total
mental-health bill in the United States.
- People with anxiety disorders are three to five times more
likely to visit a physician than those without them.
- Anxiety disorders are often associated with depression, which
is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness and reduced
energy.
- Only one-third of people who experience symptoms actually visit
a doctor.
- Most cases of anxiety disorders that do not respond to one form
of treatment will respond to another.
- There are five major categories: generalized anxiety disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias and
post-traumatic stress disorder.
- The exact cause of most anxiety disorders is unknown, but they
most likely stem from a combination of psychological, biological,
genetic and environmental factors.
- People who are diagnosed with one form of anxiety disorder are
often diagnosed with a second type.
- Treatment for these conditions may include psychotherapy,
medication or a combination of both.
- Most anxiety disorders begin in childhood, adolescence or early
adulthood.
- Some types affect women more often than men. However, in some
disorders ‑- such as generalized anxiety
disorder ‑- the percentages are nearly
equal.
- Anxiety is also a symptom of other mental health disorders. An
anxiety disorder is diagnosed when anxiety is the predominant
symptom that requires help from a mental health professional.
- Psychotherapy for people with anxiety disorders may include
individual or group sessions and is particularly effective for
social phobia and panic disorder.
- Medications used to treat anxiety disorders include
anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants (many of which are also
approved to treat anxiety) and beta blockers (medications usually
used for heart conditions).
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