Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most highly diagnosed psychiatric disorders in the United States

. Anxiety disorder is a broad term that includes phobias, PTSD, social anxiety, and OCD. Some statistics put the prevalence of anxiety disorders as high as 18% in the American population. There are however, many effective treatments for anxiety disorders and many neuropsychological evaluations to test for the disorder.

Some of the most common anxiety disorders are phobias. Phobias are irrational fears. Some can be very severe like agoraphobia, or fear of the outside world. Other like aerophobia, fear of flying, are more common and more treatable. Many people fear flying and millions cope with that stress by taking anti-anxiety medication or finding alternative routes of travel. More all-encompassing phobias can be harder to treat and can be symptomatic of other problems.

One of the most debilitating forms of anxiety is OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Anxiety is marked by increased stress, fear, apprehension, and discomfort. Victims of OCD suffer these intrusive thoughts and cope by compulsively repeating an activity. This can include hand washing, item hording, clapping and tapping. More mild forms of OCD usually manifest with occasional compulsive or repetitive thoughts while more extreme cases lead people to spend hours a day repeating tasks and compulsions. People suffering from OCD often suffer comorbid depression so getting neuropsychological testing is key. Treatment can include medications (SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics) and behavioral therapy. Extreme cases can require surgery, electroshock therapy and other therapies.

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is anxiety linked to trauma in one's past. These traumas can include childhood trauma, psychological or sexual abuse, an accident and other scaring events. Sufferers of PTSD are haunted by intrusive memories of the trauma, vivid flashbacks, nightmares, and increased anxiety. Medication and therapy are the highly effective at treating PTSD. PTSD can manifest itself in many ways so neuropsychological assessment is important in making a diagnosis.

GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common forms of anxiety. It is marked by persistent, long lasting anxiety that is not necessarily triggered by anything. Symptoms can include sleepiness, constant worry, inability to relax and feelings of tightness in the chest. GAD differs greatly from person to person so a neuropsychological assessment is an important diagnostic tool. Treatment can include art therapy, talk therapy, exercise, or drugs (SSRIs, Benzodiazepines). Usually it will include a combination of multiple therapies.

Some anxiety is normal but feeling constantly overwhelmed by worry is no way to live. Treatment is effective so there is no need to suffer. If you feel overly anxious get help.

by: Mark Etinger

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