Anxiety

Fear and anxiety are part of life. You may feel anxious before you take a test or walk down a dark street. This kind of anxiety is useful - it can make you more alert or careful. It usually ends soon after you are out of the situation that caused it. But for millions of people in the United States, the anxiety does not go away, and gets worse over time. They may have chest pains or nightmares. They may even be afraid to leave home. These people have anxiety disorders. Types include

Treatment can involve medicines, therapy or both.

National Institute of Mental Health

Anxiety on Wikipedia

'''Anxiety''' is a complex combination of the feeling of fear, apprehension and worry often accompanied by physical sensations such as palpitations, chest pain and/or shortness of breath. It may exist as a primary brain disorder or may be associated with other medical problems including other mental illnesss. A chronically recurring case of anxiety that has a serious affect on your life may be clinically diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. The most common are Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder, Social anxiety disorder, phobias, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Diagnosis

A good medical history and physical examination are essential for the initial diagnosis of any of the anxiety disorders in order to exclude any other significant, treatable medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms of anxiety. A family history of anxiety disorders or other psychiatric illnesses present strenghtens the case for an anxiety disorder. As there is a high association for anxiety for other psychiatric problems including drug abuse and depression, the physical examination should include checking for evidence of intravenous drug use or previous episodes of self-harm.

Generalized anxiety disorder

''Main article:'' General anxiety disorder Generalized anxiety disorder is a common chronic disorder that affects twice as many women as men and leads to considerable impairment (Brawman-Mintzer & Lydiard, 1996, 1997). As the name implies, generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any particular object or situation. In other words it is unspecific or free-floating. People with this disorder feel afraid of something but are unable to articulate the specific fear. They fret constantly and have a hard time controlling their worries. Because of persistent muscle tension and autonomic fear reactions, ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Fear Anxiety and Depression - The Films of Todd Solondz - Dedicated to writer/director and his films.

Anxiety Films - Showcases the work of independent creators of B-movies and horror films. Film synopses and QuickTime downloads, current projects, filmmaker profiles and interviews, festivals, message board, and links.

Acting - Drama Therapy Centre of NY - Offers course with a focus on mastering stage fright and performance anxiety that includes basic acting technique, improvisation, monologue and scene study. ADAA member.

Plaid Anxiety - Sound samples, show dates, biography and pictures from the Baltimore trio.

Anxiety - Profile of the band.

Knot Magazine: Aimee Mann Proves Me Wrong - Tim Grierson's favorable review: "... has the late-night vibe of sleepless hours riddled with anxiety, asking questions but getting only silence in response. It's emotional and direct in a way she's rarely attempted before."

Erin's Flute Page - Tips, information on tone, vibrato, and anxiety, plus links.

Anxiety - Melodic death metal band from Switzerland, site includes biographies, pictures and sound files in RealAudio format.

Popmatters: Adult - Review of the album Anxiety Always.

Dark Modern Art - Artwork influenced by panic and anxiety by Mike Magee. Offers original art for sale.

Anxiety

Anxiety on Wikipedia

Diagnosis

Generalized anxiety disorder

External Resources

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