Open Mind

While many of us feel "stressed" about our fast-paced life, over 19 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders and experience something much more debilitating than everyday stress. They live with feelings of chronic anxiety, extreme discomfort or even feelings of terror that keep them from enjoying full, productive lives. The feelings associated with anxiety disorders arise with no clear cause and occur in situations that are not usually considered stressful or dangerous. People with an anxiety disorder may understand their reaction isn’t logical, but they cannot control the feelings. Lack of knowledge or understanding that these feelings are a real disorder sometimes results in the symptoms being ignored, trivialized, misdiagnosed or inappropriately treated. There are five main categories of Anxiety Disorders:

Panic Disorder – Symptoms include, but are not limited to pounding heart, chest pains, sweating, nausea and trembling. People with undiagnosed panic disorder often mistake the symptoms for a heart attack and inappropriately seek medical treatment at the Emergency Room.

Phobias – A phobia is a deep-seated, extreme fear that is irrational, distressing, and disruptive to a person’s life. There are three types of phobias. "Specific" phobia is fear of a particular object (dogs or cats, for example) or situation (confined space or heights, for example) that is not harmful under general conditions. "Social" phobia is an extreme fear of being watched, embarrassed or humiliated while doing something in public such as public speaking. "Agoraphobia" is the fear of places or situations from which escape might be difficult, such as being in a crowd or standing in line. Severe cases may prohibit a person from leaving the house.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – The hallmark symptoms are constant obsessions (repetitious, upsetting thoughts or images) about fears (dirt or germs, for example), nagging doubts (are the doors locked, stove turned off, etc.), an overwhelming need to have things in a certain order, or unnecessary hoarding of items. In an attempt to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions, a person engages in compulsive behaviors (repetitive rituals).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – This can occur after a person survives a disaster (fire, war, etc.) or experiences severe trauma (rape, sexual abuse, etc.) and is not able to control their recollection of images or thoughts of the experience. Symptoms can include nightmares, flashbacks of the event, increased arousal and hyper-vigilance, and avoidance as they attempt to cope with their experience.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Individuals with GAD experience exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded, yet unrelenting. They constantly worry about their health, loved ones, job or a nameless worry about life in general, even when there appears to be no reason to do so.

Left unrecognized and untreated, these disorders can adversely affect one’s sense of well-being, daily life and ability to function. Yet, all of these disorders are treatable. If you’re concerned that you or someone you know might be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, take advantage of a free, confidential screening with a mental health professional on Wednesday, May 7. Call Christian Hospital Northeast (314-362-WELL) or St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute (314-532-0200) for more information. Visit www.freedomfromfear.org to locate a screening anywhere in the country.

Vetta Sanders Thompson, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology, UM-St. Louis
President, Board of Directors
Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis

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