Phobia
Phobia
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear over something. You may feel on edge or tense. It is a normal response to stress or new situations. Anxiety becomes a problem when it lasts for a long time, is very strong, or keeps you from doing the normal things you do. Anxiety may affect your family, friends, work, or school life. You may have problems with sleeping, eating, or any part of your health. Anxiety may also affect the whole family. If it becomes an illness that lasts a long time, anxiety needs treatment. Anxiety happens in many forms, like: Being scared all the time that something bad is going to happen. This is general anxiety. Strong bursts of fear where your body has signs that may feel like a heart attack. This is called a panic attack. Upsetting thoughts that happen often. There is a need to repeat doing certain things to help get rid of the anxiety caused by these thoughts. The thoughts or actions may be about checking on things, touching things, or worry about germs. This is an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Strong fear of an object, place, or condition. This is a phobia. Fear that others think bad things about you or being put down by other people. This is social anxiety. Nightmares, flashbacks, staying away from people, or having panic attacks when reminded of a shocking or hurtful time or place from the past. This is post-traumatic stress. Anxiety disorder may be treated in many ways. Some kinds of treatment have you talk about your beliefs, fears, and worries. You may learn how certain thoughts or feelings can raise anxiety. You may also learn what steps to take to lower anxiety. Other kinds of treatment may have you look back on a hurtful event, sad memory, or something you are afraid of. The doctor will help you deal with the feelings that you may have. You may learn ways to cope with unwanted events or thoughts by looking at your fears in a way that feels safe.
Name
Anxiety Discharge Instructions, Adult
About this topic
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear over something. You may feel on edge or tense. It is a normal response to stress or new situations. Anxiety becomes a problem when it lasts for a long time, is very strong, or keeps you from doing the normal things you do. Anxiety may affect your family, friends, work, or school life. You may have problems with sleeping, eating, or any part of your health. Anxiety may also affect the whole family. If it becomes an illness that lasts a long time, anxiety needs treatment. Anxiety happens in many forms, like: Being scared all the time that something bad is going to happen. This is general anxiety. Strong bursts of fear where your body has signs that may feel like a heart attack. This is called a panic attack. Upsetting thoughts that happen often. There is a need to repeat doing certain things to help get rid of the anxiety caused by these thoughts. The thoughts or actions may be about checking on things, touching things, or worry about germs. This is an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Strong fear of an object, place, or condition. This is a phobia. Fear that others think bad things about you or being put down by other people. This is social anxiety. Nightmares, flashbacks, staying away from people, or having panic attacks when reminded of a shocking or hurtful time or place from the past. This is post-traumatic stress. Anxiety disorder may be treated in many ways. Some kinds of treatment have you talk about your beliefs, fears, and worries. You may learn how certain thoughts or feelings can raise anxiety. You may also learn what steps to take to lower anxiety. Other kinds of treatment may have you look back on a hurtful event, sad memory, or something you are afraid of. The doctor will help you deal with the feelings that you may have. You may learn ways to cope with unwanted events or thoughts by looking at your fears in a way that feels safe.
What problems could happen?
Staying away from work or social events,Not being able to do everyday tasks,Keeping away from family and friends
When do I need to call the doctor?
Hard to breathe, even if you are at rest,Chest pain,If you do not feel safe or you cannot be alone
Body systems
Adult,Ambulatory Care,Central Nervous System,Mental Health
What are other common names?
Anxiety Disorders,Chronic Free-Floating Anxiety,General Anxiety,Generalized Anxiety Disorders,Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders,OCD,Panic Attack,Panic Disorders,Phobia,Post-traumatic Stress,Social Anxiety
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
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