Anxiety is a normal psychological and physiological response in human beings when they experience stress.

The
word means to feel vex or trouble. Anxiety may result in feelings of worry, unease, fear and distress feeling
troubled.
Teenage Anxiety
Teenagers, as they grow, tend to feel anxiety a lot. Part of their feelings of anxiety may be driven by the need to fit in
with peers, to feel accepted, to achieve academically or in sports, or by thoughts about their future. Some people
experience anxiety after an accident, injury, or traumatic event that upsets their emotions. High parental expectations
can trigger teenage stress, as does abuse and neglect.
Anxiety also presents as physical symptoms, such as headaches, feeling restless, stomach ache and tension in chest
and muscles. Other symptoms may include difficulty remembering, memory confusion and distortion of reality
finding it hard to distinguish between what is real and not real.
Recognising Teenage Anxiety
Teenage anxiety may be recognised by observing the teenager in their experiences and expressions of emotions.
Answering some of the following questions may help teenagers identify their anxiety:
l How are you responding or reacting in social situations?
l How do you feel about eating?
l What is your experience of school events like?
l Do you prefer to avoid situations?
l Do you feel that you will fail and not succeed?
l How often do you compare yourself to peers or friends?
l Do you feel inadequate socially, physically, mentally or in yourself?
l Do you enjoy making new friends?
l Do you avoid your friends?
l Do you feel gloomy or a sense of dread?
l Do you need constant reassurance about your achievements to feel accepted?
l Do you complain about not feeling well to avoid school?
l Does your heart beat faster and do you feel like you cannot breathe?
l Do you feel fear or terrified about the future?
l Do you feel confused and unsure of what is real or not real?
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human response when feeling concerned and may be caused by a number of factors within and
outside a persons control. Excessive teenage anxiety may have identifiable causes, such as peer pressure, meeting
expectations to achieve, or exposure to recreational drugs and nicotine. As mentioned in the anxiety attacks section,
causes of anxiety such as these may fall into the following categories:
Hereditary panic disorder may be genetic and run in families
l Biological illness, disease or deficiency
l Phobias fear of people, objects or situations
l Traumatic life events, such as death or loss
l Stimulants nicotine, caffeine, drugs, alcohol
l Negative self-talk
l Lack of Assertiveness high passivity
l Medications or chemical substances antibiotics, anti-depressants
l Over-breathing or hyperventilation
l Stress expectation to achieve school, college, university, employment
These causes of anxiety may be present in particular circumstances. Based on the causes and circumstances, a
variety of anxiety types can occur.
Anxiety Disorder
When normal feelings of anxiety last for long periods of time or become excessive, people can develop anxiety
disorders. Medical professionals distinguish between normal anxiety and excessive anxiety resulting in anxiety
disorder by evaluating the reasoning or cause of the anxiety and also how intense the anxiety is experienced.
The amount an anxiety affects a teenagers normal living and behaviour forms part of consideration when the anxiety
becomes an anxiety disorder. Teenagers may be evaluated to determine if they experience anxiety or panic attacks
in certain situations.


Anxiety symptoms that indicate you could have an anxiety disorder
January 28, 2014 by admin
It is normal to feel anxious or nervous from time to time. You may worry about the state of your finances. You could
be nervous about speaking in public. You may be feeling scared about a job interview. But when does anxiety get to
the point where it is classed as a disorder? If you feel anxiety is occurring too regularly, and it is beginning to have a
huge impact on your life, then you should consider seeking help and investigating further. After all, anxiety comes in
many different forms and therefore it can be extremely difficult to self-diagnose. Nevertheless, if you suffer from any
of the following anxiety symptoms it is a sign that you could have an anxiety disorder.

Chronic indigestion
There is no denying that anxiety is an issue that starts in an individuals mind. However, this does not mean that the
symptoms cannot be physical, and chronic indigestion is a prime example of this. Individuals suffering from an
anxiety disorder often experience aches in their stomach, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, cramping and gas. This is
widely known as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Excessive worry
This is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it is difficult to quantify. After all, what is too
much? Worrying is something everyone does, but it becomes an anxiety disorder when it is so bad it interferes with
your daily life. Moreover, this worry can take a toll on you and appear as other symptoms, such as fatigue.
Muscle tension
A lot of people dont realise that muscle tension may be a sign of anxiety issues. However, the following all tend to
accompany anxiety disorders; flexing muscles throughout your body, baling your fists, and clenching your jaw.
Self-consciousness
Many individuals suffering from an anxiety disorder experience trouble in everyday situations, such as going for
dinner with a group of people or attending a party. Most people get a nervous butterfly feeling in their stomach,
however if you experience any of the following you should consider consulting with a professional; difficulty talking,
profuse sweating, nausea, trembling and blushing.
Panic attacks
Not only are panic attacks an evident sign of anxiety trouble, but they can be extremely frightening as well. It is hard
to describe the feeling of helplessness and fear that you experience when having a panic attack. The symptoms can
be varied as well. They include stomach pains, chest pains, dizziness, weakness, sweating, tingling or numb hands, a
racing heart and breathing problems.
Trouble sleeping
Sleep problems can occur for a wealth of different reasons. However, it can often be because of a psychological
reason. It is not uncommon to have a disturbed sleep if you have something big coming up the next day. However, if
you are awake all of the time because you feel agitated and are panicking about general problems or in fact nothing
at all, you should speak to a doctor to see if you are suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Flashbacks
Last but not least, experiencing flashbacks of a traumatic period in your life can be a sign that you are suffering from
anxiety. In fact, it is often deemed the hallmark of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Nevertheless, there are
other types of anxiety containing this symptom.
Summary Anxiety disorders is one of the most difficult things to determine. After all, everyone feels anxious now
and again. This article reveals some anxiety symptomswhich may indicate that your anxiety has crossed the line
and become a disorder.

Types of Anxiety
January 8, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment


Types of anxiety, such as
teenage anxiety, may be caused by certain circumstances, such as if a teenager is ill or is using specific medication.
Not only can anxiety be classified by cause but also by type:
l Medical-related Anxiety and Anxiety-Reduction
l Awareness Anxiety
l Performance or Test Anxiety
l Social Anxiety
l Trait Anxiety
l Choice and Decision-Making Anxiety
Medical-related Anxiety
Medical-related anxiety may arise when a teenager has an underlying health condition, such as heart arrhythmia.
Teenagers sometimes fear the worst when they become ill and may feel anxiety about feeling anxious. Some children
and teenagers sometimes experience a migraine-related condition known as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, aptly
named because of perceived experiences of unreal size, shape, sound, time and body distortion. These symptoms in
themselves may trigger anxiety. Certain medications sometimes trigger anxiety too, even medications used to treat
depression and anxiety. The mere focus on anxiety reduction can sometimes also trigger higher anxiety in certain
youngsters.
Awareness Anxiety
Awareness Anxiety may be better known as Existential Anxiety. This anxiety develops when a person becomes
aware of their role in humanity, feeling moral duty and sense of guilt. Sometimes teenagers feel this form of anxiety
when a parent becomes terminally ill. Some feel a moral duty to care or may feel a sense of guilt that an action they
have done contributed to the illness. Philosophers describe this anxiety as self-consciousness where the individual
becomes aware of the shortness of life or a form of non-existence. Sometimes very talented or gifted teenagers may
feel fear due to differentiation or individuation. Children also sometimes feel separation anxiety from parents or loved
ones and this anxiety can extend into their teens.
Performance or Test Anxiety
Performance or test anxiety occurs when teenagers feel excessive anxiety about writing tests or exams, or meeting
expectations that parents have about their performance. Some young people have a natural fear of failure that
causes their anxiety to rise. Teachers and parents can play a reassuring and supportive role to help reduce the
teenagers anxiety.
Social Anxiety
While some young people enjoy new adventures and meeting new people, other teens experience high anxiety at the
thought. Its considered normal for young children to have a fear of strangers, but to have a fear of interacting with
non-strangers is considered to be social anxiety. Teens sometimes feel social anxiety because of fear of non-
acceptance by peers. Teenagers have a high need to fit in and sometimes what peers expect for them to fit in is
anxiety provoking. The fear is to be judged negatively by others that you want to feel accepted by. Some teens start
to restrict their lifestyles and avoid contact with people as a result.
Trait Anxiety
Trait anxiety is a form of habitual anticipatory anxiety that develops when the teenager feels threatened, and may be
consciously or unconsciously experienced.
Choice or Decision-Making Anxiety
Teenage peers sometimes put a lot of pressure on one another to perform certain acts or to partake in certain
activities, such as drinking or sexual experimentation. When teens are faced with such choices they may experience
a conflict with their values or upbringing. Being expected to make a choice as part of acceptance can cause the teen
to experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Another example is when parents divorce and the young teen has a
choice of which parent to live with. The guilt and the feeling of being forced to choose, and the fear of losing one
parents love as a result, may cause a young teen to feel excessive anxiety.

There are many different ways to get specialist help if you think you are suffering from anxiety or are worried about
other aspects of your mental health. Your GP is the best place to start and make an appointment to discuss things
further and get advice and support.
Teenage Anxiety Counselling
January 8, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment
Seeking medical help for
teenage anxiety before it becomes excessive is a way to help teenagers transition from childhood to adulthood in a
better state of wellbeing, mentally, emotionally and physically. One of the forms of treatment that can help teenagers
understand and manage the anxiety that they are experiencing is Teenage Anxiety Counselling, otherwise known as
Adolescent Counselling.
When is counselling necessary?
Teenagers and their family may not be able to identify initially when counselling will help. Some teenagers are against
discussing their feelings with others they do not know. Approaching the topic of counselling for anxiety can bring
feelings of distrust and anger, and should therefore be approached in the most sensitive manner. Teenagers may
need counselling if they suffer from:
l Sadness and loneliness
l Frustration, anger and uncontrolled emotions
l Anxiety and worry on a daily basis
l Guilty feelings
l Sleeplessness and restlessness
l Changes in eating patterns or appetite
l Signs of bulimia or anorexia
l Withdrawal or isolation
l Anxiety in social settings
l Performance anxiety
l Meeting expectations and feelings of failure
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling is confidential and is there to help teenagers express their feelings or thoughts about life experiences in a
safe setting with someone they can learn to trust. The only time when a counsellor will talk about anything discussed
with another person is if the teenager gives their permission or if the teenager is at risk of self-harm or harming
another person. The breach of confidentiality is then for safety reasons.
Where can I get counselling?
Counsellors are present in the community through a number of avenues. By approaching your General Practitioner
(GP), you can receive referral to a mental health specialist that provides counselling. Sometimes counsellors are
present in schools and there are also different types of counsellors.
Who counsels teenagers for anxiety?
There are a number of professionals who are qualified to counsel teenagers for anxiety and these include:
l Mental Health Counsellors
l Social Workers
l Nurse Practitioners who specialise in mental health or psychiatry
l Psychologists
l Psychiatrists

Types of Anxiety Disorders
January 8, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment
According to research,
approximately fifteen percent of the population experience anxiety disorders, of which teenage anxiety and teenage
anxiety disorders is the fastest growing. There are a number of types of anxiety disorders that may be diagnosed
depending on severity and symptoms, this section gives detail on the following types:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
When teenagers experience excessive anxiety about two or more aspects in life, the anxiety disorder may be
classified as Generalized.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Children and teens may experience anxiety at being separated from a parent or person they love. The anxiety
experienced as a result of the separation or loss is Separation Anxiety. When this form of teenage anxiety becomes
excessive, it is termed a disorder.
Overanxious Anxiety Disorder
Sometimes diagnosis of teenage anxiety is difficult because the cause cannot be suitably identified. When such
anxiety persists, it is known as overanxious anxiety disorder.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Anxiety may start off as a natural form of concern or worry, but once the thoughts, mind images, and impulses
become persistent, recurrent and obsessive, then the teens behaviour might alter to unreasonable, rigid and
excessive patterns. These types of patterns are known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The need to continually
wash hands to feel better is an example.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Children or teens sometimes experience traumatic events that they either consciously or unconsciously relive through
dreams, flashbacks, and play. The trauma may cause anxiety states that are triggered by certain events,
circumstances, and memories. These triggers become a symbolic manifest of the trauma and the continued
experience of the stress results in this form of anxiety disorder.
Other types of Anxiety Disorders include:
l Avoidant Disorder
l Social Phobia
l Simple Phobia
l Agoraphobia
l Panic Disorder
l Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Once a teen starts to exhibit changes in behavioural patterns that are identifiable and linked with anxiety, there is
potential that the teen has a form of anxiety disorder. Qualified and experienced professionals are able to run
diagnostic tests to identify if the teen has such a disorder. Following diagnosis, medical advice may be provided to
improve the overall wellbeing of the teen sufferer.


Anxiety And Teenage Braces
May 2, 2013 by admin
Most teenagers are conscious of their appearance and wearing braces may seem like a complete nightmare. Braces
dont look cool and many teenagers assume that they will be painful and uncomfortable.
Its true that braces arent the most stylish accessory, but they have a very important job to do and after treatment, it
is certain that your smile will look much better and healthier than it did before.

Anxiety before treatment
Most people experience a degree of anxiety when they go to the dentist, but it can be particularly scary when you
have to have braces and you are getting ready to go and have your braces fitted. It is natural to feel a bit nervous, but
if you suffer from severe anxiety, make sure you talk to your dentist, so that they are aware of how anxious you are
and can tailor their approach to suit your needs and to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Coping with braces
It can take a little time to get used to wearing braces and its normal for them to feel a bit odd to begin with. If you
have any questions about wearing braces or cleaning your teeth when you have braces, do not hesitate to ask your
dentist.
Many people who have braces worry about eating in public, getting food trapped in their braces and kissing, but you
will soon get used to your braces and if you have any worries, you can talk to your dentist. Modern braces are much
lighter and smaller than traditional braces and they are easier to clean.

Modern braces
Over the course of the last decade, there have been some amazing developments in the world of Orthodontics and
there is now a huge range of treatments to choose from, so you dont need to worry about being lumbered with bulky,
ugly metal braces. In addition to traditional fixed braces, you can also get removable appliances, discreet fixed braces
which produce results very quickly and clear braces, which are virtually invisible to other people. Modern braces
provide solutions to many of the problems that people used to experience when wearing braces in the past; they are
discreet and sometimes even invisible, light and comfortable and some can work within six months.
If youre particularly worried about your image and you dont want to wear unattractive braces, you can choose to
have clear braces, which are almost completely invisible to other people.

www.teenage anxiety.co.uk
News and Research
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy in Occupational Therapy
There has been an increasing trend in pediatric clients with mood disorders entering occupational therapy over the last few years.
One practitioner discusses using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), among other strategies, for pediatric clients.
(Advance, 28(15):17) Read more.
Computer Program May Help Kids Anxiety
An international research effort is examining a new computer program that suggests it is as effective as medications or
psychotherapy for childhood anxiety disorders. The treatment technique called Attention Bias Modification (ABM) reduces
anxiety to change thought patterns by drawing children away from their tendency to dwell on potential threats.(American Journal
of Psychiatry, Feb. 2012; 169(2); 213-230) Read more.
Anxious Girls Brains Hard at Work
Scientists say the brains of anxious girls work much harder than those of boys, a discovery that could help in the identification
and treatment of anxiety disorders, and it may help predict the development of anxiety issues later in life for girls. (International
Journal of Psychophysiology, published online 29 May 2012) Read more.
Treating Adolescent Depression to Prevent Substance Abuse
Treating adolescents for major depression can also reduce their chances of abusing alcohol or drugs later on, a secondary benefit
found in a five-year study of hundreds of youths in the United States. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2012; 80
(2): 299) Read more.
Content Overweight Teens Less Depressed
A study has found that overweight adolescent girls who are happy with the size and shape of their bodies report higher levels of
self-esteem, possibly protecting them from depression, anxiety, or anger at times associated with being overweight. (Journal of
Adolescent Health,June 2012) Read more.
Depression Linked To Adolescent Bullying
New research suggests that teens suffering from depression are at a greater risk of being bullied because they have difficulties
establishing friendships among peers. Problematic peer relationships in the study did not drive depression, the study indicates that
depression symptoms predicted negative peer relationships. (Child Development, published online February 2012) Read more.
Depression Often Leads to Difficulties With Peers in Middle Childhood
A new study on the middle years of childhood has found that depression forecasts problems in peer relationships, including being
victimized by peers and difficulties being accepted by peers. (Child Development; published online 7 Feb. 2012) Read more.
No Link Between Antidepressant and Suicide in Youths
A new analysis of clinical trial data finds that treatment with the antidepressant fluoxetine did not increaseor decrease
suicidality in children compared to placebo treatment. (Archives of General Psychiatry, published online February 6, 2012) Read
more.
Insomnia, SSRI Treatment in Depressed Youth
Most youth with depression has report insomnia. A recent study shows that adolescents with substantial insomnia were less likely
to respond to treatment with antidepressants than those without insomnia. But children were more responsive to fluoxetine when
they had insomnia. (Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, published online January 18, 2012) Read more.
Genetic Link to Separation Anxiety
A mouse study has led scientists to identify a gene linked to separation anxiety in children with the rare genetic disorder 7q11.23
duplication syndrome (Dup7q11.23). Presented at the Society for Neuroscience annual scientific conference, the data and
conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. Read more.
Babies: No Stress, Few Allergies
A new study shows that infants with low concentrations of the stress-related hormone cortisol in their saliva develop fewer
allergies than other infants. (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2011; 128(6): 1335) Read more.
Some Shy Teens Have Social Anxiety Disorder
A new study analyzed how many teens appeared to meet the American Psychiatric Association's criteria for social anxiety
disorder or social phobia resulted in roughly 1 in 10 of the self-described shy kids. The findings challenge criticism that the terms
"social phobia" and "social anxiety disorder" medicalize normal shyness. (Pediatrics, published online Oct. 17, 2011) Read more.
Brain Chemical Lower in J oyless Teens
Teens with anhedonia, or the inability to experience pleasure, have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in a key mood-
regulating region of the brain, according to an NIMH-funded study. Researchers note that this may offer new clues to the
pathways and processes underlying depression and other mental disorders. (Archives of General Psychiatry, published online
Oct. 3, 2011) Read more.
Depressed, Abused Teens Less Likely to Respond to Combination Treatment
Adolescents with treatment-resistant depression who have a history of abuse, especially physical, are less likely to respond to
combination treatment than to medication alone, according to data from a study funded by NIMH. (Journal of the American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(3): 293-301) Read more.
Diagnosing OCD in Children Before Its Too Late
Researchers point out how appropriate early recognition and treatment of OCD in children can positively affect the course of the
disorder. (Deutsches rzteblatt International, 108(11): 1739) Read more.
Depressed Adolescents: Recovery and Relapse
Researchers studying adolescents with major depressive disorder found that nearly all recovered from their episode after
treatment. But nearly half of them had relapsed within five years; females were at much higher risk of another major episode.
(Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(11):10991198) Read more.
fMRI Predicts Outcome of Talk Therapy in Anxious Children
A brain scan with functional MRI (fMRI) is enough to predict which patients with pediatric anxiety disorder will respond to talk
therapy, according to neuroscientists from Georgetown University Medical Center. (Study presented at the annual meeting of the
2010 Society for Neuroscience) Read more.
Childhood Adversity May Trigger Elevated Stress Response in Healthy Adults
New research suggests that healthy adults who were mistreated as children may have a higher inflammatory response to new
stressors. Elevated concentrations of the cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) are in individuals who experienced early-life adversity.
(Neuropsychopharmacology, published online 29 September 2010) Read more.
Mental Disorders: One in Five Children
Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health have reported on the prevalence data on a broad range of mental disorders
in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents, which show that approximately one in five children in the U.S. meet the
criteria for a mental disorder severe enough to disrupt their daily lives. (Journal of the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10): 980989) Read more.
Infants Behavioral Regularity Predicts Lower Anxiety
The lack of regularity in sleeping, eating, and play routines in infancy appears to be associated with risk for anxiety in childhood.
Researchers studying infants with irregular patterns of sleeping, eating, and playing were significantly more likely to experience
symptoms of anxiety more than a decade later. (Psychiatry Research, 30 July 2010, 178(2): 370-373) Read more.
Parental Intervention Alters Childrens Anxiety Trajectory
Researchers are reporting that parents can potentially alter the path of anxiety and related disorders in young at-risk children with
a brief intervention. Three years after the intervention the children exhibited fewer signs of anxiety. (American Journal of
Psychiatry, published online Sept. 1, 2010) Read more.
Heightened Brain Activity in Children Predicts Anxiety Risk
A new study of monkeys demonstrated that increased brain activity in the amygdala and anterior hippocampus could predict
anxious temperament, suggesting that young children who have higher activity in these brain regions are also more likely to
develop anxiety and depression as adolescents and adults, as well as drug and alcohol problems. (Nature, 12 August 2010;
466:864-868) Read more.
Abused Children at Risk of Developing Psychiatric Disorders as Young Adults
According to a new cohort study in New Zealand, childhood abuse and neglect are significantly associated with increased rates of
anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders in young adulthood. (Archives of General Psychiatry, July 2010; 67:712-719) Read
more.
New Treatment Options Target Causes of Childhood OCD and Tourettes
A special free online issue focuses on the neurobiological bases of pediatric OCD and Tourettes syndrome, which share
similarities in genetic and environmental factors, treatments, and psychiatric features. (Journal of Child and Adolescent
Psychopharmacology, Aug. 2010; 20(4) Read more.
Survey of Children of Military Parents
A RAND Corporation study describes the health and well-being of children from military families from the perspectives of the
child and nondeployed parent. (Pediatrics, January 2010; 125(1):16-25) Read more.
Good News: Mental Stress Not a Factor in Distracting Young Drivers
Anxiety and depression do not play a role in teen motor vehicle accidents, according to a new study at the University of Sydney
in Australia. (Journal of Adolescent Health, published online May 19, 2010) Read more.
Childhood-Cancer Survivors More Likely to Develop PTSD
Young adults who have survived childhood cancers are four times more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD;
findings include 9 percent reporting significant functional impairment and clinical distress and symptoms consistent with a
diagnosis of PTSD. (Pediatrics, May 2010; 125(5): e1124-e1134) Read more.
Children of Deployed Parents More Anxious, Depressed
A recent study of children with parents deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan showed elevations in anxiety and depression linked to
length of deployment and the psychological stress of the parent at home. Further, the symptoms persist after the deployed parent
comes home. (Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, April 2010, 49(4): 310-320) Read more.
Childhood Adversity Linked to Mental Disorders
Results from two large survey studies suggest that multiple childhood adversities explain (in a predictive sense) a wide range of
mental disorders, including nearly one-third of anxiety disorders. (Archives of General Psychiatry, 2010; 67(2):113-123, 124-
132) Read more.
Vigilance and Avoidance in Children With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Using eye-tracking methodology, researchers found that anxious children showed vigilance-avoidance attention pattern.
Vigilance-avoidance has been found in anxious adults, who initially gaze more at threatening pictures than nonanxious adults
(vigilance), but subsequently gaze at them less (avoidance) than non-anxious adults. (Journal of Abnormal Child
Psychology, Feb. 2010; 38(2): 225-235) Read more.


www.adaa.org/living with anxiety/children /news-and-research.


Facts & Statistics
Did You Know?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18
and older (18% of U.S. population).
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country's $148 billion total mental
health bill, according to "The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders," a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of
Clinical Psychiatry,60(7), July 1999).
More than $22.84 billion of those costs are associated with the repeated use of health care services; people with
anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses.
People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be
hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life
events.
Anxiety and Depression
It's not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those
diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Find out more about depression.
Facts
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
2.2 million, 1.0%
Equally common among men and women.
The median age of onset is 19, with 25 percent of cases occurring by age 14. One-third of affected adults first experienced
symptoms in childhood.
Hoarding is the compulsive purchasing, acquiring, searching, and saving of items that have little or no value.
Panic Disorder
6 million, 2.7%
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Very high comorbidity rate with major depression.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
7.7 million, 3.5%
Women are more likely to be affected than men.
Rape is the most likely trigger of PTSD: 65% of men and 45.9% of women who are raped will develop the disorder.
Childhood sexual abuse is a strong predictor of lifetime likelihood for developing PTSD.

Social Anxiety Disorder
15 million, 6.8%
Equally common among men and women, typically beginning around age 13.
According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more
years before seeking help.

Specific Phobias
19 million, 8.7%
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Typically begins in childhood; the median age of onset is 7.
Major Depressive Disorder
The leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.3
Affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
While major depressive disorder can develop at any age, the median age at onset is 32.5
More prevalent in women than in men.
Dysthymic Disorder (chronic, mild depression)
Symptoms must persist for at least two years in adults (one year in children) to meet criteria for the diagnosis.
Affects approximately 1.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. (about 3.3 million American adults).
The median age of onset is 31.1
Related Illnesses
Many people with an anxiety disorder also have a co-occurring disorder or physical illness, which can make their symptoms
worse and recovery more difficult. Its essential to be treated for both disorders.
Read on to learn more about the co-occurrence of anxiety and these disorders:
Bipolar disorder
Eating disorders
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Sleep disorders
Substance abuse
Adult ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactive disorder)
BDD (body dysmorphic disorder)
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Stress
Children
Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to
perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.
See statistics for anxiety disorders among children from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Anxiety disorders also often co-occur with other disorders such as depression, eating disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD).
Childhood anxiety disorders
Anxiety and depression
Treatment
Tips for parents and caregivers
Anxiety disorders at school
School refusal
Older Adults
Anxiety is as common among older adults as among the young. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety
disorder among older adults, though anxiety disorders in this population are frequently associated with traumatic events such as a
fall or acute illness. Read the best way to treat anxiety disorders in older adults.
Treatment Options
Anxiety disorders are treatable, and the vast majority of people with an anxiety disorder can be helped with professional care.
Several standard approaches have proved effective:
Therapy
Medication
Complementary and alternative treatm

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