Essay: Types of Anxiety Disorders

Sample Essay

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states that the term anxiety disorders encompass a wide variety of disorders based on abnormal fears and pathologies. It includes the following types (American Psychiatric Association)

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder with and without agoraphobia
• Specific phobia
• Social anxiety disorder also known as Social Phobia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Acute stress disorder (ASD)

According to a study conducted by the Anxiety Disorder Association of America an estimated 40 million Americans (18.1%) suffer from one or more of these types of disorders. At 8.7% and 6.8% of the American population affected by Specific phobia and Social anxiety disorder respectively ( Anxiety Disorder Association of America). These two disorders form the most prevalent mental disorders in American society. The pathophysiology of these disorders has not been determined as of yet however it has been surmised that a decrease in serotonin and an increase in noradrenalin levels may be the culprit. While recent studies have also shown that genetic factors may also be a cause, the increased sensitivity to external stimuli remains the primary culprit (Jess Rowney).

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