Do you experience persistent over-concerns or fears relating to everyday activities like eating with others, meeting with others or even thinking about bodily functions? If your anxiety has lasted more than 6 months and interferes with getting things done or working with family, friends or co-workers, you may have an Anxiety Disorder.

Anxiety disorders often accompany other disorders. For example, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and many Depressive Disorders, often complicate anxiety disorders. When anxiety becomes so intense as to cause physical symptoms, like knocking of the heart (palpitations) or the sensation of suffocation (hyperventilation), it has reached the level of a Panic Disorder.

Anxiety disorders can be fueled by stressful events or activities, like sexual molestation or rape, the death of a loved one or bullying. But seemingly trivial activities, like participation in a group or meeting new people, can also trigger an anxiety disorder for some vulnerable individuals. Inheritance often creates such vulnerabilities; that is, anxiety disorders can run in families.

Successful therapy for anxiety disorders often requires effective treatment of any associated conditions and may include psychotherapy, medication or both.

Psychotherapy aims to provide an individual with effective strategies to avoid known triggers and to manage stressful events or activities. Medications can directly change brain chemistry to create resistance to stress and resultant anxiety.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists are best equipped to treat anxiety disorders, but the latter group of professionals are licensed to prescribe medications.