Know the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Anxiety

Healthy anxiety is defined as an uneasiness of the mind caused by fear, anticipation of fear, fear of danger or misfortune. Anxiety can be caused by real danger or fear or perceived danger or fear. Some anxiety is healthy and causes people to react appropriately in dangerous situations, such as cautiously crossing a busy street. Unhealthy anxiety is an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs as sweating, tension, and increased pulse. Unhealthy anxiety interferes with normal functioning and may be the sign of an anxiety disorder.

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older. For more information on anxiety disorder statistics, read health magazines like Consumer Reports Health, Prevention and Health magazine.

Anxiety disorders are serious and treatable. Psychiatry experts believe anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors, much like many other disorders, such as heart disease and diabetes. Many factors can cause anxiety, including mental conditions as well as external factors like any kind of personal stress such as money or marital problems. For helpful tips on how to manage stress, read health magazines like Fitness, Shape, Women's Health and Men's Health.

Five major types of anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder. A great resource for anxiety disorder definitions is Psychology Today magazine.

Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common among the five major types of anxiety disorders. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder dwell on their concerns. Their concerns and worries are accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, sweating, irritability, hot flashes and more. Symptoms People with generalized anxiety disorder can't seem to shake their concerns.

The majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders can be helped with professional care. Treatment varies among people but in some cases may help in a few months. Treatment should be tailored to the individual. However, there are several forms of standardized treatment approaches that have proven effective with many patients with anxiety disorders.

Examples of standardized treatments are cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, relaxation and medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. In many cases therapists choose to use a combination of these therapies. To determine what treatment is most effective for you, talk to your healthcare professional.

About The Author:
For more information on health magazines, visit http://www.magazines.com/category/health-fitness Jessica Vandelay is a freelance writer in New York City.