Just How Common Are Anxiety Disorders?

There are many different anxiety disorders from the relatively well-known (like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD) to the more obscure (like paruresis and acute stress disorder).

Lots of people are surprised to find how common anxiety disorders are. You may find yourself surprised to find out how many of your friends, family members, acquaintances and co-workers have been affected by an anxiety-related condition.

Even children and teenagers are not immune to the effects of excessive anxiety. Diagnoses of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and social anxiety, for example, can be made in younger populations. The diagnosis of conditions once considered “adult” disorders has led to some controversy and criticism of mental health practices.

One of the positive things about the recent attention to anxiety disorders is that more treatments are being explored and developed. Now that people are more accepting of mental health issues, it is easier for anxious individuals to seek the help they need and to communicate with mental health professionals about what they need and what they hope to accomplish.

People who have anxiety disorders like paruresis can talk to therapists who have an understanding of mental health and are familiar with some of the best treatment methods. Some mental health workers and doctors can also recommend newer treatment methods that may be more suited to some individuals.

If you want to know more about who is being affected by anxiety and what they are experiencing, read an article about anxiety disorders at the link below.

Photo Credit: Mykl Roventine via Compfight cc