Anxiety is a normal response to stress, and isn’t always a bad thing. But when it gets to be uncontrollable or excessive to the point where it affects quality of life, this may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.
Knowing the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder can help you talk with your doctor about your symptoms and any concerns you might be having.
Read on to find out more about the difference between “regular” anxiety and anxiety disorders...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
You might wonder what the difference is between feeling anxious and having an anxiety disorder, especially if you find yourself feeling anxious a lot.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including:
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
panic disorder
specific phobias
social anxiety disorder
separation anxiety disorder
agoraphobia
Generalized anxiety disorder can look a lot like “regular” anxiety at first. But it’s characterized by unrealistic or excessive worry about everything — even things you might not even be able to name. It also lasts at least 6 months and can get in the way of daily functioning.
GAD has symptoms like:
trouble concentrating
difficulty sleeping
irritability
fatigue
muscle tension
repeated abdominal pain or diarrhea
sweaty palms
rapid heartbeat
Typical anxiety is a response to stress, and this is normal. When the stressor is over, the anxiety usually goes away. In anxiety disorders, removing the stressor or trigger doesn’t always reduce the anxiety.
Anxiety caused by stress doesn’t generally significantly impair one’s life or cause distress. If your anxiety is disrupting your quality of life, it might be time to re-evaluate whether it may be an anxiety disorder.
