In What Disorders Do People Experience Abnormal Or Excessive Anxiety?

Dr. Cathy Frank answers the question: 'Abnormal Or Excessive Anxiety Disorders?'

ByABC News
April 15, 2008, 5:50 PM

— -- Question: In what disorders do people experience abnormal or excessive anxiety?

Answer: Anxiety disorders is a diverse group of disorders which have in common fear, worry, or apprehension. The most common ones are panic disorder, in which people have recurrent, unexpected anxiety or panic attacks. They may feel that they're losing control or going to die, and have a host of symptoms which may include shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations and dizziness.

Generalized anxiety disorder is another common disorder. In this disorder, people have unreasonable and uncontrollable worry. They literally make themselves sick with worry and may experience muscle tension or insomnia.

Social anxiety disorder -- also known as social phobia -- is another type of anxiety disorder. In this disorder people avoid social situations. They avoid them because they fear humiliation or embarrassment. This may mean that they may avoid going to parties, eating in public, or even having casual conversations with a group of friends. These are just a few of the disorders. There's many others in this group. We also know that certain medical illnesses, as well as medications and drugs can cause anxiety-like symptoms.

Next: Do People Of All Ages Develop Anxiety Disorders And How Do Anxiety Disorders Affect People At Different Ages?

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