The feeling of anxiety can be defined as a sense of worry, nervousness, or unease.  Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders in Canada.  Typically, problems with anxiety are characterized as being chronic, lasting at least 6 months, and likely to get progressively worse without treatment.  There are a number of different types of anxiety disorders, all with their own characteristics, as outlined below.  Fortunately, anxiety psychotherapy can significantly improve most if not all symptoms associated with anxiety.

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by:

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• Generalized and persistent excessive anxiety accompanied by somatic symptoms (muscle tension, for example).

• Worry is exaggerated and unrealistic, with little evidence to either provoke or support it.

• Everyday concerns can cause marked discomfort and distress, such as going to work, attending to finances, or living a healthy lifestyle.

• Onset it typically gradual (compared to other anxiety disorders).

• GAD affects 3% of the population in any given year, and is the most common of diagnosed anxiety disorders.

• Other symptoms may include:

• Restlessness

• Feeling on edge

• Easily fatigued

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Sleep disturbances.

 

 

 

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is characterized by:

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• Unexpected and recurrent panic attacks.

• A panic attack is a sudden episode of:

• Intense fear

• Heart palpitations

• Chest pains

• Nausea

• Trouble breathing/shortness of breath

• Flushing or chills

• Terror/fear of losing control or dying

• Sensory distortions

• A panic attack can occur with no apparent reason, even during sleep.

• However, occasionally stressful life events or periods may trigger an episode.

• Typically, a panic attack will only last for a few minutes.

• Usually, debilitation results from the anxiety surrounding the anticipation of another attack.

• Often, people will try to avoid the environment where the panic attack occurred, although this may actually exacerbate the problem.

• Although the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, there is evidence to suggest there is a genetic component; individuals with a close relative with panic disorder are 10-20% more likely to develop it themselves.

 

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Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder or SAD)

SAD is characterized by:

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•  A fear of situations where there is potential for embarrassment or humiliation in front of others. 

• The fear can involve something specific, such a speaking in public, or eating in public, or a generalized fear of embarrassment. 

• As an individual attempts to avoid public situations, negative interference with work, school, or other daily activities is possible. 

• Withdrawal and isolation is also possible.

• Onset typically occurs in childhood or early adolescence, and symptoms may fluctuate with stressful periods.  

• Treatment is less likely to be sought by individuals with SAD due to the fear or embarrassment of seeing a professional.

• Often, individuals will use alcohol or other substances to self-medicate and escape the constant anxiety.

• Although the exact cause is unknown, familial and environment factors during early childhood, such as child-rearing style, parental/peer modeling, and behavioural inhibition, likely play a role.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterized by:

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• Obsessions or compulsions, usually both.

• Obsessions are persistent and unwanted thoughts which trigger intense anxiety.

• Compulsions are urges to perform repetitive/ritual like behaviour in an attempt to control the anxiety.

• Compulsions only relieve the anxiety temporarily, and may contribute to the worsening of daily functions.

• Personal and occupations distress may occur.

• Typically the onset occurs earlier in males than females, and symptoms may first appear in childhood or adolescence.

• The disorder is often variable over time and with age, though it is chronic and relapsing.

• Most often, individuals are aware that the obsessions and compulsions do not make sense. Nevertheless, the urge to perform the ritual is too overwhelming to ignore.

• Individuals may also recruit others, such as friends or family members to check on their obsession.

• Examples of OCD may include compulsions involving counting, ordering, repeating actions, hoarding, and/or washing.