My Community : My Wellness

Several years of research depicts that children can outgrow a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which was earlier considered as a lifelong condition though a large majority of such children still face challenges that require therapeutic and educational support.

Anxiety is a response to stress. It's our body's natural reaction. It's nervousness or apprehension or fear of something at hand or expected such as exam results, board results, job interview, selection test, first day at work, first day of school etc.

Ordinary anxiety is part of our lives and it's a feeling that comes and goes, but does not disturb or meddle with your everyday life.

But if these feelings are on extreme and persist for more than six months interfering with your normal life then you may have an anxiety disorder.

Any change in life can trigger a so-called normal anxiety. We might feel anxious while relocating to a new city, changing a job, going for an interview, entrance exam, board exams etc. Such triggers come and go without disturbing or interfering with our life. At times, such short term anxieties motivate us to work harder to attain our goals like anxiety to score well in exams, perform in a new job etc.

In nutshell, ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes without impacting the balance of our life.

But if an anxiety persists for a longer duration impacting our life , interfering with our thought process or our daily routine, coupled with extreme feelings, makes us feel vulnerable etc then it can be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Such anxiety, if left untreated , can worsen the scenarios.

Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorders and can trigger at any age.

In the U.S in any given year, the estimated percent of adults with various anxiety disorders are:

• Specific phobia: 7% to 9%
• Social anxiety disorder: 7%
• Panic disorder: 2% - 3%
• Agoraphobia: 2%
• Generalized anxiety disorder: 2%
• Separation anxiety disorder: 1% - 2%
• Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders.

Source : American Psychiatric Association

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias, Specific Phobia
• Agoraphobia
• Social Anxiety Disorder (previously called social phobia)
• Separation Anxiety Disorder

Source : American Psychiatric Association

The symptoms of ADHD are slightly different from those of anxiety.. ADHD symptoms primarily involve lack of attention to detail, inability to focus, carelessness, impulsive behaviors and hyperactiveness. On the other hand, Anxiety symptoms involve issues with nervousness and fear.

• Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent and extreme worry that interferes with daily activities. This ongoing worry and tension may be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as restlessness, feeling on edge or easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension or problems sleeping. Often the generalized anxiety and worry is related everyday aspects like job responsibilities, family health or minor matters such as chores or appointments etc.
• Panic Disorder - The core symptom of panic disorder is recurrent panic attacks, an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress. During an attack several of these symptoms occur in combination:
  • Palpitations, pounding heart or rapid heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Feeling of shortness of breath or smothering sensations
  • Chest pain
  • Feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint
  • Feeling of choking
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Chills or hot flashes
  • Nausea or abdominal pains
  • Feeling detached
  • Fear of losing control
  • Fear of dying