“You are not alone,” says Lauren Solotar, Ph.D., a May Counseling Center psychologist who specializes in anxiety and eating disorders. “In my practice, I have noticed a marked increase in anxiety disorders among young adults over the past few years.
“There are plenty of things for young people to be anxious about — from the economy and national security, to personal relationships and career choices. Everyone worries from time to time,” Solotar said. “However, if anxiety is so serious that it disrupts your life and your work, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.”
Symptoms of anxiety disorders may include:
· Racing heart
· Muscle tension
· Concentration problems
· Brief periods of intense fear
· Compulsive, repetitive behavior
· Being uncomfortable in social situations
· Fear about being unable to leave a place or situation
Anxiety disorders can take the form of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias or generalized anxiety disorder.
· Panic disorder affects about 2.4 million adult Americans and is twice as common in women. It is characterized by feelings of terror that come on suddenly and repeatedly without warning. It is possible, however, to have one or more panic attacks without developing a full-blown panic disorder.
· Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, causes anxious or disturbing thoughts such as an exaggerated fear of germs. Some people try to banish these thoughts by performing rituals such as constantly washing their hands.
Unfortunately these rituals, or compulsions, provide only temporary relief. OCD affects about 3.3 adult Americans and is evenly divided between men and women. It may run in families.
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a debilitating condition that can develop after a terrifying event such as child abuse, rape, serious accident or a natural disaster. It sometimes affects war veterans who have witnessed terrible events. Those diagnosed with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts or memories that last more than one month. The condition affects about 5.2 million adult Americans and is more common in women. It can occur at any age and may have a genetic component.
· Phobias are not just extreme fears — they are irrational fears. They may include fear of heights, spiders, closed spaces or large crowds. They are characterized by overwhelming anxiety and persistent, intense and chronic fear.
· Generalized Anxiety Disorder develops gradually and makes it extremely difficult for people to relax, concentrate or fall asleep. It affects about 4 million adult Americans, is twice as common in women, and appears to have a genetic component. It is most likely to develop between childhood and middle age. It is diagnosed when a person spends at least six months worrying excessively about a number of everyday problems
Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by depression, alcoholism or drug abuse. Fortunately, most of the disorders listed above respond well to medications and/or psychotherapy.
“If you think you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, I would recommend that you have an examination and evaluation conducted by a behavioral health professional as soon as possible,” Solotar said.
Original Article: http://www.wickedlocal.com/roslindale/news/lifestyle/columnists/x1720697442/There-s-been-an-increase-in-anxiety-disorders