Millions of Americans suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder, but many of them don't know what the condition is or how to cope with it. Although anxiety disorder is one of the most highly treatable conditions, only a small portion of sufferers receive help.

This article explains:

• The Six Kinds of Anxiety Disorder
• What Treatments are Available
• How to Find Help and Make Treatment More Effective

By understanding how the disorder develops and what symptoms it can cause, it may be possible to control the condition, before it takes control of a person’s life.

The Six Kinds of Anxiety Disorder

There are six types of anxiety disorder--generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. While symptoms and causes vary for each kind, they all share one thing in common: an overwhelming feeling of panic and fear. They all cause physical and emotional symptoms, and often seem to strike from out of nowhere. Because of this, sufferers may not know what is wrong with them or how to control it.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People with generalized anxiety disorder worry all the time. They may fret over one specific cause, such as work, money, health or family, or they may suffer from an overall feeling of dread with no clear cause. While it’s natural to have a little anxiety now and then, for people with GAD the fear is consuming and debilitating. In fact, it can often be a challenge just to make it through each day. Though their fears are usually unfounded, they are powerful, and sufferers expect the worst from every situation.

GAD is a chronic condition with emotional and physical symptoms that can be terrifying. Sufferers frequently have trouble falling asleep and relaxing, startle easily and find it difficult to concentrate. They may also suffer from fatigue, irritability, headaches and muscle tension and aches. In more severe cases, they may tremble, twitch, sweat profusely, have hot flashes and have trouble swallowing. They may also feel out of breath or like they need to go to the bathroom frequently, and they may feel lightheaded and nauseated.