Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways, but many people say feeling tense and nervous disrupts their lives the most, followed by chronic worrying. Individuals who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience a variety of symptoms that can include spontaneous panic attacks, endlessly checking and rechecking their actions, persistent and uncontrollable worry, and anxiety in social situations. Untreated anxiety disorders often can lead to substance abuse, depression and even suicide.

To help individuals learn about anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and effective treatments, St. Joseph's Behavioral Health Center participates in National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day, typically held on the first Wednesday in May. The screening includes viewing a video, completing a brief questionnaire, meeting with a mental health professional to review the questionnaire, and receiving information about various anxiety disorders and mental illnesses.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience. People with this disorder usually worry excessively about money, health, family, or work, even when there are no signs of trouble. In any year, 4 million Americans suffer with GAD.

Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. People with social anxiety disorder have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. In any year, 5.3 million Americans suffer with social anxiety disorder.

Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. The fear is accompanied by physical symptoms that may include: chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. In any year, 2.4 million Americans suffer with panic disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
People with OCD suffer intensely from recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or rituals (compulsions, i.e., hand washing, counting, and checking). In any year, 3.3 million Americans suffer with OCD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, such as rape or mugging, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma. In any year, 5.2 million Americans suffer with PTSD.