I don’t know about all of you, but I’m loving being outside these days, soaking up what may be the last of the sunshine and warmth. The autumn breezes are blowing, the skies are magnificent (even on the stormy days) and smells of fall are everywhere. Sadly, there are some people who don’t leave their houses, no matter what the season. These folks may be suffering from an irrational fear, or phobia, of being in a situation that might trigger a panic attack, so they stay in their homes. This is one example of a type of mental illness categorized as anxiety disorders.
This classification of mental illness includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Any of these conditions can cause feelings that range from a nagging uneasiness to immobilizing bouts of terror that make a person unable to function.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is more than just nervousness or anxiety surrounding a specific event or real situation. A person with GAD experiences exaggerated worry, tension, and irritability that seem to have no cause, or are more intense than the situation warrants. Physical signs can accompany these psychological symptoms, such as restlessness, insomnia, headaches, trembling and sweating. If these symptoms persist for six months, or even shorter if very pronounced, treatment is usually warranted.
White-knuckled, heart-pounding terror that strikes out of nowhere is what those with panic attacks can experience at any time. Chest pain, dizziness, nausea, shaking, intense fear of dying and out-of-control feelings are all symptoms of panic disorder. A diagnosis of panic disorder is made after four attacks within four weeks, or the persistent fear of having an attack for a month. Proper treatment is valuable, and helps 70-90 percent of those with panic disorder.
Those who are diagnosed with a phobia experience extreme fear and anxiety around certain situations or things that do not produce so intense a response in the general population. The example in the first paragraph of this article is called agoraphobia. Certain animals, airplanes and small, enclosed places are more instances of stimuli that can trigger a phobia in some people. Social phobia is a fear of being embarrassed in front of other people. Fear of public speaking is a common phobia in this category. Treatment is focused on desensitizing a person to their particular fear.
Anyone who has witnessed, participated in or been a victim of a traumatic occurrence can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological damage that is caused by these situations can interfere with a person’s ability to develop relationships and have a normal life. Symptoms can include emotional numbing, constant reliving of the event, anxiety, nightmares and insomnia. These symptoms are common just after a traumatic situation, but if they persist longer than three months, PTSD should be suspected. Treatment can help people regain a sense of control over their lives.
I don’t know about all of you, but I’m loving being outside these days, soaking up what may be the last of the sunshine and warmth. The autumn breezes are blowing, the skies are magnificent (even on the stormy days) and smells of fall are everywhere. Sadly, there are some people who don’t leave their houses, no matter what the season. These folks may be suffering from an irrational fear, or phobia, of being in a situation that might trigger a panic attack, so they stay in their homes. This is one example of a type of mental illness categorized as anxiety disorders.
This classification of mental illness includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Any of these conditions can cause feelings that range from a nagging uneasiness to immobilizing bouts of terror that make a person unable to function.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is more than just nervousness or anxiety surrounding a specific event or real situation. A person with GAD experiences exaggerated worry, tension, and irritability that seem to have no cause, or are more intense than the situation warrants. Physical signs can accompany these psychological symptoms, such as restlessness, insomnia, headaches, trembling and sweating. If these symptoms persist for six months, or even shorter if very pronounced, treatment is usually warranted.
White-knuckled, heart-pounding terror that strikes out of nowhere is what those with panic attacks can experience at any time. Chest pain, dizziness, nausea, shaking, intense fear of dying and out-of-control feelings are all symptoms of panic disorder. A diagnosis of panic disorder is made after four attacks within four weeks, or the persistent fear of having an attack for a month. Proper treatment is valuable, and helps 70-90 percent of those with panic disorder.
Those who are diagnosed with a phobia experience extreme fear and anxiety around certain situations or things that do not produce so intense a response in the general population. The example in the first paragraph of this article is called agoraphobia. Certain animals, airplanes and small, enclosed places are more instances of stimuli that can trigger a phobia in some people. Social phobia is a fear of being embarrassed in front of other people. Fear of public speaking is a common phobia in this category. Treatment is focused on desensitizing a person to their particular fear.
Anyone who has witnessed, participated in or been a victim of a traumatic occurrence can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological damage that is caused by these situations can interfere with a person’s ability to develop relationships and have a normal life. Symptoms can include emotional numbing, constant reliving of the event, anxiety, nightmares and insomnia. These symptoms are common just after a traumatic situation, but if they persist longer than three months, PTSD should be suspected. Treatment can help people regain a sense of control over their lives.
Appropriate treatment may take some time to find, and also to be effective, but is well worth the effort. All of these anxiety disorders can be treated with some combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication and relaxation techniques. Support from family and friends can help speed healing and a return to a full, meaningful life.
For more information on anxiety disorders and other mental health issues, check out samhsa.gov or SAMHSA on Facebook.
Pam Maxson is a health educator at Noyes Hospital in Dansville. If you have questions or suggestions for future articles, she can be reached at pmaxson@noyes-hospital.org or 585-335-4327.
