Chapter 6: Anxiety
Other Types of Anxiety Disorders
Specific Phobias
Social Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms may be so extreme that they disrupt daily life. People with this disorder, also called social phobia, may have few or no social or romantic relationships, making them feel powerless, alone, or even ashamed.
- About 15 million American adults have social anxiety disorder
- Typical age of onset: 13 years old
- 36 percent of people with social anxiety disorder report symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help
Although they recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder feel powerless against their anxiety. They are terrified they will humiliate or embarrass themselves.
Symptoms may be so extreme that they disrupt daily life. People with this disorder, also called social phobia, may have few or no social or romantic relationships, making them feel powerless, alone, or even ashamed. About 15 million American adults have social anxiety disorder Typical age of onset: 13 years old 36 percent of people with social anxiety disorder report symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help Although they recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder feel powerless against their anxiety. They are terrified they will humiliate or embarrass themselves.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly called OCD, appears in different ways, and not every person has the same symptoms; many people have combinations of various OCD symptoms. In general, those who have OCD suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can’t seem to get out of their heads (obsessions), often compelling them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety.
If you or a loved one suffers from OCD, you’re not alone. Millions of people have it, and it doesn’t discriminate: This disorder affects men, women, teens, and children from every background, race, and ethnicity. But with the appropriate treatment, you are most likely to find relief.
Most adults who have OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, yet they feel powerless to stop them. They may spend several hours every day focusing on obsessive thoughts and performing seemingly senseless rituals involving hand-washing, counting, or checking to ward off persistent, unwelcome thoughts, feelings, or images. These can interfere with a person’s normal routine, schoolwork, job, family, or social activities. Trying to concentrate on daily activities may be difficult.
Untreated OCD can be detrimental to all aspects of life, so getting proper treatment is essential to taking control over the illness and gaining relief. Learning about the disorder is critical to finding the right treatment and overcoming frequently incapacitating symptoms.
Unlike adults, children and teens with OCD may not realize that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or even view their symptoms as a disorder that can be treated.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly called OCD, appears in different ways, and not every person has the same symptoms; many people have combinations of various OCD symptoms. In general, those who have OCD suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can’t seem to get out of their heads (obsessions), often compelling them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety. If you or a loved one suffers from OCD, you’re not alone. Millions of people have it, and it doesn’t discriminate: This disorder affects men, women, teens, and children from every background, race, and ethnicity. But with the appropriate treatment, you are most likely to find relief. Most adults who have OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, yet they feel powerless to stop them. They may spend several hours every day focusing on obsessive thoughts and performing seemingly senseless rituals involving hand-washing, counting, or checking to ward off persistent, unwelcome thoughts, feelings, or images. These can interfere with a person’s normal routine, schoolwork, job, family, or social activities. Trying to concentrate on daily activities may be difficult. Untreated OCD can be detrimental to all aspects of life, so getting proper treatment is essential to taking control over the illness and gaining relief. Learning about the disorder is critical to finding the right treatment and overcoming frequently incapacitating symptoms. Unlike adults, children and teens with OCD may not realize that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or even view their symptoms as a disorder that can be treated.