For many people anxiety is just a normal reaction to stress. It helps one cope with changes and challenges of every day life. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or irrational it can be a disabling disorder that requires treatment.

Five major types of anxiety disorders are:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
3. Panic Disorder
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
5. Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

Anxiety is considered abnormal when it is very prolonged or severe, it happens in the absence of a stressful event and/or it is interfering with everyday activities such as going to work or socializing. You may experience some of the following symptoms:

• insomnia
• irritability or anger
• inability to concentrate
• fear of madness
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• tightness or pain in chest
• rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• feeling unreal and not in control of your actions
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• frequent urination
• difficulty swallowing

Anxiety Treatments

Treatments for anxiety disorders are available. Psychological counseling may also be needed in some cases. Your doctor might prescribe an effective anxiety medication. Xanax, Valium, Lorazepam, Efexor, BuSpar, Paxil, Wellbutrin and Lexapro are some of the most most popular drugs. New and improved medicines are coming on the market each year.

With treatment, most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives. There are many drugs used to treat anxiety and they work differently with different people. Therefore, you might have to work with your doctor to find the one that is most effective for you.