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| Statistics and Facts About Anxiety Disorders (Reported by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (www.adaa.org) Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18.1% of U.S. population).
- Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country's $148 billion total mental health bill, according to "The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders," a study commissioned by ADAA and published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, Vol. 60, No. 7, July 1999.
- More than $22.84 billion of those costs are associated with the repeated use of health care services; people with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses.
- People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
NUMBERS AND PERCENTAGES REFER TO ADULTS AFFECTED IN U.S. POPULATION
For more information on anxiety disorders and treatment go to: www.adaa.org Anxiety is often accompanied by physical symptoms, including: - Twitching or trembling
- Muscle tension, headaches
- Sweating
- Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal pain (may be the only symptom of stress, especially in a child)
Sometimes other symptoms accompany anxiety: - Dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Diarrhea or frequent need to urinate
- Fatigue
- Irritability, including loss of your temper
- Sleeping difficulties and nightmares
- Decreased concentration
- Sexual problems
The most effective solution is to find and address the source of your stress or anxiety. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. A first step is to take an inventory of what you think might be making you "stress out": - What do you worry about most?
- Is something constantly on your mind?
- Does anything in particular make you sad or depressed?
- Keep a diary of the experiences and thoughts that seem to be related to your anxiety. Are your thoughts adding to your anxiety in these situations?
Then, find someone you trust (friend, family member, neighbor, clergy) who will listen to you. Often, just talking to a friend or loved one is all that is needed to relieve anxiety. Most communities also have support groups and hotlines that can help. Social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals may be needed for therapy and medication. Also, find healthy ways to cope with stress. For example: - Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. Don't overeat.
- Get enough sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Don't use nicotine, cocaine, or other recreational drugs.
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques like guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, or meditation. Try biofeedback, using a certified professional to get you started.
- Take breaks from work. Make sure to balance fun activities with your responsibilities. Spend time with people you enjoy.
- Find self-help books at your local library or bookstore.
Your doctor can help you determine if your anxiety would be best evaluated and treated by a mental health care professional. Call 911 if: - You have crushing chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating. A heart attack can cause feelings of anxiety.
- You have thoughts of suicide.
- You have dizziness, rapid breathing, or racing heartbeat for the first time or it is worse than usual.
Call your health care provider if: - You are unable to work or function properly at home because of anxiety.
- You do not know the source or cause of your anxiety.
- You have a sudden feeling of panic.
- You have an uncontrollable fear -- for example, of getting infected and sick if you are out, or a fear of heights.
- You repeat an action over and over again, like constantly washing your hands.
- You have an intolerance to heat, weight loss despite a good appetite, lump or swelling in the front of your neck, or protruding eyes. Your thyroid may be overactive.
- Your anxiety is elicited by the memory of a traumatic event.
- You have tried self care for several weeks without success or you feel that your anxiety will not resolve without professional help.
Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking can cause anxiety as a side effect. Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without your provider's instructions.
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