Anxiety Disorders
About Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental disorders in the U.S. and many say this condition affects college students more broadly than the general public insofar as higher education includes heightened pressure to perform and increased expectations to prepare for one’s future. It is estimated that 40 million adults each year struggle with anxiety disorders.
Common Anxiety Disorders
The Most Common Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What Is Anxiety?
Although a certain level of anxiety is normal and can be expected when we face situations that are stressful (tests, dating situations, job interviews), individuals with anxiety disorders often experience excessive worrying and irrational fears about everyday situations. Anxiety is associated with the autonomic nervous system in the brain, or fight/flight center, and includes both racing thoughts and physiological arousal in the body.
Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Include:
- Racing thoughts with trouble quieting the mind.
- Catastrophic thinking patterns with thoughts on top of thoughts.
- Excessive worrying about life events.
- Fear of impending doom or loss of control.
- Feelings of panic in situations or anticipated situations.
Physiological Symptoms Include:
- Sweating
- Feeling faint
- Experiencing chills
- Becoming dizzy
- Tingling in the body
- Chest pain
- Tension in shoulders
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Anna M. Gove Student Health Center, 107 Gray Drive 27412
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE 336.334.5340
FAX 336.334.5343