An anxiety disorder, however, is quite different. Anxiety disorders can paralyze the sufferer with constant fear and worry to the extent that the fear and worry feel beyond their control. Although they may begin at any time, anxiety disorders often surface in adolescence or early adulthood. There is some evidence that anxiety disorders run in families; genes as well as early learning experiences within families seem to make some people more likely than others to experience these disorders.

Anxiety disorders include the following:

Panic Disorder

Involves sudden, intense and unprovoked feelings of terror and dread. Symptoms include heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and an out of control or terribly frightening feeling. People who suffer from this disorder generally develop strong fears about when and where their next panic attack will occur, and they often restrict their activities as a result.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Entails recurring fears or worries about a variety of topics, such as health or finances. A persistent sense that something bad is just about to happen is common. The reason for the intense feelings of anxiety may be difficult to identify, but the fears and worries are very real and often keep individuals from concentrating on daily tasks.

Phobias

Intense fears, about certain objects or situations. Specific phobias may involve things such as encountering certain animals or flying in airplanes, while social phobias involve fear of social settings, public places, or situations in which the person is exposed to possible scrutiny of others.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Characterized by persistent, uncontrollable and unwanted feelings or thoughts (obsessions) and routines or rituals (compulsions) in which individuals engage to try to prevent or rid themselves of these thoughts. Examples of common compulsions include washing hands, cleaning house excessively for fear of germs, or checking work repeatedly for errors.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Someone who suffers severe physical or emotional trauma such as from a natural disaster or serious accident or crime may experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns become seriously affected by reminders of the event, sometimes months or even years after the traumatic experience. Symptoms include recurring nightmares and/or flashbacks

Source: American Psychological Association

Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. with 19.1 million (13.3%) of the adult U.S. population (ages 18-54) affected.