The most common mental illness throughout the lifespan is anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. They can manifest in various ways, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about everyday things.
- Panic Disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear and anxiety in social situations, often leading to avoidance of these situations.
- Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive thoughts and behaviors that cause distress and interfere with daily life.
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent, affecting approximately 40 million adults in the United States alone. They can develop at any age, but often emerge in childhood or adolescence.
While anxiety disorders are common, they are treatable. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can be effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
