Stress and Anxiety are nothing new but the definition for the question of what is anxiety is misunderstood. In this article, we provide a good definition for anxiety but also myths and truths surrounding this illness. While some people experience only slight problems associated with anxiety, others have severe responses, which can be devastating if not diagnosed and treated.
By definition, the answer to the question, “What is anxiety” is that this is a reaction created by the body’s “fight or flight” response for survival. When a healthy person is in a position of feeling threatened or challenged, they respond appropriate but for the person with an anxiety disorder, responses would not only be different, but also inappropriate and in excess.
Truths about Anxiety
What is Anxiety – Classifications
Anxiety disorders are classified so the answer to what is anxiety depends on the type of disorder, as well as intensity and duration of attacks and/or symptoms. The following are the most common types of anxiety disorders treated today.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This is a long-lasting disorder although symptoms are generally mild
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – With this disorder, symptoms may start out mild but they can become debilitating
- Panic Disorder – Symptoms for this disorder come on fast and are usually intense
- Phobias – This disorder is comprised of fears (phobias) such as fear of flying, fear of clowns, fear of death, etc, with symptoms being situation-based
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) – With this, symptoms could show up slowly or quickly, and vary in intensity from moderate to life-threatening
- Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) – While seen in adults on rare occasion, this anxiety disorder primarily affects children
What is Anxiety – Statistics
Statistics are another important part of the answer to what is anxiety, which shows people struggling with a disorder that they are not alone. Experts estimate that currently close to 20 million people in the United States between the ages of 18 and 54 has an anxiety disorder, with some having more than one.
We also know that anxiety disorders affect women more than men by about 50% for all types except for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Social Phobia, which affect both men and women equally. Then, of the four million people living with a panic disorder, just over half have at least one actual panic attack every year.
Myths about Anxiety
What is Anxiety Relating to Depression
Unfortunately, information has circulated for years that people dealing with depression as a part of an anxiety disorder can simply move on in life without complications. The truth is that depression on any level can be devastating. People with anxiety often have depression, which creates a sense loneliness, sadness, defeat, boredom, and hopelessness. Although a small number of people will push through very mild bouts of depression, this is rare.
Anxiety with or without Depression is a Figment of the Imagination
When looking at myths pertaining to what is anxiety, nothing could be further from the truth than this. Both anxiety and depression are very real illnesses that if left untreated can progress and even lead a person committing suicide or murder. In both instances, not only is the mind affected but the body also responds negatively with symptoms such as insomnia, weight loss, low or no appetite, stomachaches, headaches, diarrhea and/or constipation, etc.
Drugs do Not Cure Anxiety – Drugs only hide Symptoms
Today, many people are completely opposed to prescription medication, choosing alternative medicine instead. Using herbs and supplements, as well as homeopathic treatments for anxiety is fine but in many instances, the disease can only be cured, controlled, and prevented with proper medication. Typically, doctors prescribe medication based on the severity and duration of attacks/symptoms for each type of disorder along with cognitive and behavioral therapy. This combination has proven successful in many cases.