Here are
several frequently asked questions about anxiety.
Are anxiety
disorders common?
Yes. Over 19 million Americans
suffer from an anxiety disorder today. It is estimated that 1
in 4 people will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point
during their lives. If you suffer from overwhelming anxiety
and fear, you are NOT alone.
How can I
tell if I have an anxiety disorder?
Only a medical
doctor can diagnose an anxiety disorder. If you believe that
you may suffer from an anxiety disorder, please see your
doctor immediately.
We suggest you bring a list of the symptoms you have
been experiencing to help you begin an open discussion with
your doctor about how you're feeling.
Is anxiety
life-threatening?
No. Most people are relieved to
know that although anxiety symptoms can feel terrifying or
even life-threatening, they are in fact harmless. Your body is
simply setting off a "false alarm" even though no real danger
exists.
What causes an anxiety
disorder?
There are
several factors experts believe can contribute to an anxiety
disorder. Several of the contributing factors are:
An anxiety disorder is
caused by a combination of several of these factors
working together over a period of time. Usually one
factor alone does not result in an anxiety disorder.
Are anxiety disorders
treatable?
Most definitely. The most effective
treatment options help the sufferer to do three things: reduce
physical symptoms, change their anxious thoughts, and address
their anxious or avoidance behavior.
Is
it possible to suffer from more than one type of anxiety at
once?
Yes. People frequently suffer from more than
one type of anxiety disorder at once. This is called
comorbidity.
Do prescription
drugs cure anxiety?BR>Prescription drugs can be a
helpful tool in reducing anxiety. They can help reduce
physical symptoms and get the body on a more even keel,
particularly when anxiety is so debilitating that it is
difficult to function.
However, prescription
drugs are not a cure-all and do not alone address the root
causes of anxiety. To find lasting freedom from anxiety, it is
important to incorporate lifestyle strategies to reduce stress
and react to it differently, change anxiety-promoting thought
patterns, and address anxious behaviors.
Is complete
recovery possible?
Yes. With proper treatment,
change, and effort over time, you can completely recover from
anxiety. In order to maintain lasting freedom from anxiety
it's essential to reinforce daily the positive changes in your
lifestyle, self-care activities, thought patterns, and
behaviors.
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