A specific phobia is excessive and persistent fear of a specific object, situation or activity that is generally not harmful.
These fears cause such distress that some people go to extreme lengths to avoid what they fear. Examples are public speaking, fear of flying or fear of spiders. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing, or help might not be available in the event of panic symptoms.
The fear is out of proportion to the actual situation and lasts generally six months or more and causes problems in functioning.
A person with agoraphobia experiences this fear in two or more of the following situations:. The individual actively avoids the situation, requires a companion or endures with intense fear or anxiety. Untreated agoraphobia can become so serious that a person may be unable to leave the house.
A person can only be diagnosed with agoraphobia if the fear is intensely upsetting, or if it significantly interferes with normal daily activities. Social Anxiety Disorder previously called social phobia. A person with social anxiety disorder has significant anxiety and discomfort about being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected or looked down on in social interactions. People with this disorder will try to avoid the situation or endure it with great anxiety.
The fear or anxiety causes problems with daily functioning and lasts at least six months. A person with separation anxiety disorder is excessively fearful or anxious about separation from those with whom he or she is attached. A person with separation anxiety disorder may be persistently worried about losing the person closest to him or her, may be reluctant or refuse to go out or sleep away from home or without that person, or may experience nightmares about separation.
Physical symptoms of distress often develop in childhood, but symptoms can carry though adulthood. The causes of anxiety disorders are currently unknown but likely involve a combination of factors including genetic, environmental, psychological and developmental. Anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting that a combination of genes and environmental stresses can produce the disorders. The first step is to see your doctor to make sure there is no physical problem causing the symptoms.
If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, a mental health professional can work with you on finding the best treatment. These treatments can be given alone or in combination.
Cognitive behavior therapy CBT , a type of talk therapy, can help a person learn a different way of thinking, reacting and behaving to help feel less anxious. Medications will not cure anxiety disorders, but can provide significant relief from symptoms.
The most commonly used medications are anti-anxiety medications generally prescribed only for a short period of time and antidepressants. Expert Opinion in Pharmacotherapy. Bandelow B, et al. Efficacy of treatments for anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. Find support.
Bazzan AJ, et al. Current evidence regarding the management of mood and anxiety disorders using complementary and alternative medicine. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. Natural medicines in the clinical management of anxiety. Natural Medicines. Sarris J, et al. Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, Part 2: A review of clinical studies with supporting preclinical evidence.
CNS Drugs. Bystritsky A. Complementary and alternative treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders: Herbs and medications. Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Sawchuk CN expert opinion. March 21, Related Associated Procedures Psychotherapy. March 11, , p. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
It may also hurt relationships with friends, family and colleagues. Depression can be a serious illness with a high risk of self-harm and suicide.
Recovery from an anxiety disorder is possible with the right treatment and support. Effective treatments for anxiety disorders may include:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave familiar environments, because they are afraid of having a panic attack.
Asking for help when you first suspect you have an alcohol or drug problem is important. If you think you have an addiction, speak to your local doctor or phone DirectLine.
The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort.
Family and friends of people with Alzheimer's disease discuss their experiences and how to recognise the early signs. Well-managed anger can be a useful emotion that motivates you to make positive changes. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.
The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.
The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Anxiety. Anxiety disorders. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About anxiety disorders Not all anxiety is a disorder Symptoms of anxiety disorders Panic attacks are a common symptom Types of anxiety disorders Generalised anxiety disorder Social phobias Specific phobias Panic disorders Anxiety disorders can have serious effects Recovery is possible with treatment Where to get help.
About anxiety disorders Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health problems. Not all anxiety is a disorder Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times — these are normal and helpful human emotions that help us deal with danger.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders The main features of an anxiety disorder are fears or thoughts that are chronic constant and distressing and that interfere with daily living. Other symptoms of an anxiety disorder may include: Panic or anxiety attacks or a fear of these attacks Physical anxiety reactions — for example trembling, sweating, faintness, rapid heartbeat, difficulties breathing or nausea Avoidance behaviour — a person may go to extreme lengths to avoid a situation that they think could bring on anxiety or panic.
Panic attacks are a common symptom A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense terror that may occur in certain situations or for no apparent reason. Symptoms of a panic attack may include: Shortness of breath Dizziness Rapid heartbeat Choking Nausea.
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