These kind of fears are normal and can actually be beneficial by urging us to practice the speech, study for the test, or question whether we really need to be out at night all alone. When these fears become constant, chronic, and interfere with everyday functioning, however, they become an anxiety disorder and need treatment. In order to make a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, a mental health professional, in coordination with a medical doctor, will perform a thorough medical and psychiatric examination, inquiring into the individual s symptoms, how long they have been occurring and the level of distress they are causing. They will also ask about the individual s physical health, medical history, and whether or not the individual or individual s family has a history of mental illness. Once these questions have been answered, a diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan determined.
Anxiety disorders are the nation s most common mental illness.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 28 million people develop an anxiety disorder every year. Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, comes in many forms and can take place in individual, group, or family sessions. Cognitive Therapy helps patients learn to recognize thoughts and feelings that trigger the anxiety symptoms and to learn new ways to deal with these feelings. Behavioral Therapy helps the patient learn to change self-defeating behaviors, relax, reduce muscle tension and react to stressors in a more positive way. The two therapies often complement one another and can be used successfully by the same individual.