Definition:
A term used to describe several anxiety-related illnesses classified in the DSM-IV-TR. These disorders are characterized by extreme and chronic anxiety resulting in psychological and physical symptoms.
Psychologically, an anxiety disorder is usually marked by abnormal and overwhelming fear, apprehension and worry. Physical sensations may include increased heart rate, accelerated breathing, muscle tension, sweating, stomach upset and other unpleasant bodily symptoms.
Major anxiety disorders include:
- Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia)
- Agoraphobia (with or without panic disorder)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
