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Anxiety
Disorders
Nearly everyone experiences some degree of stress during their college years.
The multiple obligations of studying for exams, writing papers, friend or
relationship issues, family concerns, participation in athletics, Greek life and
other campus activities can contribute to feeling pressured and anxious.
However, an anxiety disorder differs from normal stress in that symptoms such as
worry, panic and/or physical discomfort are more intense and frequent, and
persist even when the situational pressures of life lessen. An anxiety disorder
typically causes a great deal of distress, and interferes with the ability to
relax and experience a sense of enjoyment and well-being. According to the
National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders comprise the most common
mental health diagnosis in the U.S. Approximately 1 in 9 people suffer from an
anxiety disorder at any given time. It is important to diagnose and treat an
anxiety disorder that develops or worsens during the college years to help
prevent the problem from becoming chronic and continuing into later life. There
are several types of anxiety disorders, and each has its own set of common
symptoms:
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear and
anxiety that occur often and without warning. During a panic attack, physical
symptoms such as shortness of breath, racing heart, dizziness, or feeling
flushed typically occur. Feelings of unreality, and fear of fainting, losing
control, or dying are also common during panic episodes. People who suffer from
Panic Disorder may become fearful of having panic attacks, and may begin to
avoid public situations, such as parties, classrooms or social gatherings.
College students are in a high risk age group for Panic Disorder, as it most
frequently is diagnosed during young adulthood.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive apprehension
and worry about everyday life events that is difficult to control. Ongoing
feelings of restlessness or feeling keyed up, difficulty concentrating, muscle
tension or headache, irritability, and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms
of this disorder. People who have GAD often have a persistent, unrealistic fear
that something bad is about to happen. About 5% of the population suffers from
GAD.
Phobias
A phobia is an exaggerated fear of a specific object or situation (e.g.
spiders, flying in an airplane, enclosed places, blood, heights, dogs,
thunderstorms). A phobia may cause a person to limit oneself unnecessarily
because of the anxiety associated with the possibility of encountering what is
feared. Phobias often begin in childhood. Although 5-10% of the population have
been found to have specific fears severe enough to be classified as phobic,
often what is frightening can be avoided without causing significant difficulty
in life. However, treatment is recommended if the fear of the object or
situation causes frequent distress, or if it leads to significant disruption in
routine, activities or relationships.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
The obsessions of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are persistent thoughts,
images or impulses that are distressing. Common examples of obsessive thoughts
are doubts about having turned off an electrical appliance or having locked a
door, unrealistic fears of germs, or disturbing thoughts of causing harm to a
loved one. The compulsions of OCD are characterized by the urgent need to do
something to prevent or get rid of the anxiety associated with the obsessive
thoughts. Compulsions include behaviors such as hand washing, counting, or
having to do things perfectly or in a particular order. Many people have
occasional obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. However, people who
struggle with this disorder spend over an hour a day consumed with obsessive
thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and these symptoms greatly interfere with
daily life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD may occur in the wake of a traumatic event, such as a serious accident,
sexual or physical assault, or combat in war. Symptoms may include avoidance or
distress at reminders of the trauma, recurring images of the event, feeling numb
or detached, irritability, being easily startled, and having nightmares or other
sleep difficulties. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop
PTSD, and it is common for people to experience some of these symptoms in the
weeks following a traumatic event. However, PTSD is diagnosed when the symptoms
persist for more than a month after the event, and cause significant distress or
impairment in daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is a marked and persistent fear of social or
performance situations in which there is exposure to unfamiliar people or the
possibility of judgment by others. These situations are avoided because of the
fear of acting in a way that might be humiliating. When the situation cannot be
avoided, physical symptoms of anxiety such as trembling, blushing or nausea
often occur. Many people experience some degree of nervousness in social
settings. However, individuals who struggle with Social Anxiety Disorder
severely limit what they do to avoid unfamiliar situations or people, and their
anxiety usually does not diminish when actually in the stressful situation.
Villanova students are invited to schedule confidential counseling sessions
with an experienced, caring psychologist for help in coping with anxiety.
Appointments can be made by stopping by the University Counseling Center at 206
Health Services Building or by calling 610-519-4050.
More Information
For more information on anxiety disorders, here are some helpful links:
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