Anxiety and Depression
The following is pertinent information
about common anxiety disorders & depression:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
GAD is characterized by chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience. People with this disorder usually worry excessively about money, health, family, or work, even when there are no signs of trouble. In any year, 4 million Americans suffer with GAD.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. People with social anxiety disorder have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. In any year, 5.3 million Americans suffer with social anxiety disorder.
Panic Disorder:
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. The fear is accompanied by physical symptoms that may include: chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. In any year, 2.4 million Americans suffer with panic disorder.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
People with OCD suffer intensely from recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or rituals (compulsions, i.e., hand washing, counting, and checking). In any year, 3.3 million Americans suffer with OCD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, such as rape or mugging, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma.
In any year, 5.2 million Americans suffer with PTSD.
Depression:
Depression is more than the blues; it is more than the normal everyday ups and downs. When than “down” mood lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Depression changes our feelings, behavior, physical health, appearance, academic performance, social activity, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
In any year, 19 million Americans suffer with clinical depression.
