Anxiety disorders will produce a mental tension or anxiety that has no apparent identifiable cause. Individuals who experience anxiety disorders have a heightened sense of anxiety and/or panic. The anxiety might be acute and focused, as in panic disorder, or continual and diffuse, as in generalized anxiety disorder. This disorder category also includes phobic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people develop a biological susceptibility to anxiety disorders, or the condition may be inherited. These illnesses are most commonly diagnosed in 20 to 30 year-olds, but may appear earlier.

Signs and Symptoms
Panic Disorder those who experience panic attacks suffer sudden overwhelming terror for no apparent reason with heart flutters, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath and other physical symptoms.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder individuals suffer from unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worry about life circumstances.

Phobias a persistent, abnormal, or irrational fear of specific things or situations that compel people to avoid the feared stimulus (i.e.: driving instead of flying in a plane, etc.). People who suffer from this illness feel terror, dread or panic when confronted with the feared object or activity.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) a chronic condition signaled by obsessions (repeated, intrusive and unwanted thoughts that cause distress) and by compulsions (repeated involuntary ritualistic behaviors).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs in anyone who experiences a severe physical or mental trauma. This can create an emotional wound or shock that causes substantial, lasting damage to psychological development. Symptoms may include depression, inability to sleep, poor memory, lack of concentration, nightmares or flashbacks, emotional numbness, or excessive alertness.

Recommended Course of Treatment
Anxiety disorders are the most common and the most successfully treated form of emotional illness. Treatment of these disorders may involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and other behavior therapy techniques.

To find more information on Behavior Management Systems services dealing with anxiety disorder, click on the following links:

Outpatient Counseling
Major Mental Illnesses
Anxiety Self Screening