Who Suffers from Anxiety?

About 13.1 Million People in the United States Suffer from an Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent than alcohol or drug abuse in the U.S. Yet only about 25% of those who suffer actually receive treatment. Unfortunately, the consequences of untreated anxiety could lead to various other problems, including: acute suicide risks, alcohol or substance abuse, depression, sexual disorders and secondary illnesses.

Panic Attacks

One of the most severe forms of anxiety consists of panic attacks: a problem we commonly treat at our Center. Often panic attacks occur for no medically detectable reason. Being human with imperfectly functioning physiology's, we are all vulnerable to occasional physical symptoms such as chest pressure or pains, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, a case of the jitters, or feeling vaguely unsettled or "weird."

But the anxiety-prone person, rather than ignoring those discomforts, dwells on them, magnifying and prolonging them by thinking: "I MUST know precisely why I'm feeling like this; I MUST be certain it's not serious; I MUST never lose control or act crazy; I MUST not do something stupid or look foolish; I MUST have a guarantee I'm not going to die; I MUST not make myself look anxious."

Fired by such unrealistic notions, the anxiety-prone individual creates out of the air, feelings of fright, while rigidly adding uncomfortable situations and increasingly circumscribing his or her life.

The solution consists of recognizing that the MUSTS -- but not the preferences -- are totally false; and although it would be highly preferable to avoid discomfort, it's never a MUST. We don't always HAVE TO feel entirely comfortable and we usually won't. Although it would prove lovely never to unduly upset ourselves, being human and imperfect we assuredly will some of the time.

Test Yourself -- Use the following questionnaire for identifying potential anxiety problems:

1. Do you experience sudden racing of the heart, difficulty catching your breath, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness?
2. Have you visited and emergency room or doctor in the last six months, fearing a heart attack but, upon medical examination, no problem was found?
3. Do you suddenly fear for no apparent reason that something terrible might happen?
4. Are you afraid to either leave your home alone or stay home alone?
5. Do you avoid either crowds or open spaces, such as shopping malls, parks, airports, train stations?
6. Do you feel tense and anxious and unable to relax most of the time?
7. Do you spend much of your time worrying that bad things will happen?
8. Do you get anxious when you are the center of attention?
9. Do you feel you must get drunk or take tranquilizers before social occasions or performances?
10. Do you either avoid restaurants or standing on line at checkout counters?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be suffering from some form of anxiety. A call to one of our psychologists may help you identify your problem and gain relief. 

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Articles

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• Treating Panic Disorders.
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• What is marriage counseling?