Many disorders excist for anxiety. They range from
post-traumatic stress disorder to extreme reactions to phobias.
One of the most commonly experienced forms of the problem is the
Generalized Anxiety Disorder. We can see the variations and
therefore identify which one is present in a person.
1. Anxiety Disorder
Basically, the key symptom is
excessive anxiety and worry. As noted, some level of anxiety and
worry is entirely natural. It is our way of warning ourselves of
risks and possible problems. Not having an ability to experience
anxiety would surely be far more destructive than experiencing
normal anxiety levels. Elevated anxiety disorders, Of course,
can be debilitating. When ones worries become out of whack with
reality and are disproportionate or excessive, a problem is
present.
2. Diagnostic Criteria
Lets take a closer
look at the DSM diagnostic criteria for a Generalized Anxiety
Disorder. As noted, it first requires excessive anxiety and
worry. It also requires that these worries most occur more days
than not for a period of at least six months, about a number of
events or activities In other words, one must be
disproportionately worried on a regular basis about a variety of
things in order to receive the diagnosis.
3. Three Of Six
Symptoms
- restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
- being easily fatigued
- difficulty concentrating or mind
going blank
- irritability
- muscle tension
- sleep
disturbances
4. Uncontrollability
Thus, being
worried a lot does not in and of itself constitute a disorder.
There must also be some level of uncontrollability and some
other manifestation of the problem. An anxiety disorder,
according to the diagnostic volume, cannot be the outgrowth of
concerns related to a similar disorder. For instance, having a
fear of a panic attack (that is a feature of panic disorder)
when one experiences panic attacks would not qualify.
5. The Heart Of The Matter
If the anxiety becomes
distressful enough to impair social or occupational situations
and prevent functioning in society, this can be of major
concern. This is really the heart of the matter. When the worry
and anxiety reach a level that interferes with normal
functioning, an anxiety disorder is present. This breakdown
applies specifically to a Generalized Anxiety Disorder
diagnoses, but it is enlightening with respect to other anxiety
disorders. Primary features are still the exact same with
excessive worry, experiencing this frequently and
uncontrollably.
About the Author:
For more great anxiety related articles and resources check out
http://counselingplace.info
