Angela Cheng, MD

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People with GAD have ongoing, severe anxiety that interferes with daily functioning. They worry constantly and feel helpless to control these worries. They often expect the worst, even when there is no good reason for concern. Often their worries focus on job, family, health, money, or minor matters such as chores, car repairs, or appointments. They may have muscle aches/tension, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, problems sleeping, and problems concentrating. This unrelenting worry interferes with everyday living and can affect work/school, social, and family life. (from American Psychiatric Association and Anxiety Disorders Association of America)

To read the GAD fact sheet from Anxiety Disorder Association of America and take a screening test, click here

Panic Disorder

The core symptom of panic disorder is the panic attack, an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress. During an attack several of these symptoms occur in combination:

• Pounding heart or chest pain
• Sweating, trembling, shaking
• Shortness of breath, sensation of choking
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Feeling unreal or disconnected
• Fear of losing control, “going crazy,” or dying
• Numbness
• Chills or hot flashes

Because symptoms are so severe, many people with panic disorder believe they are having a heart attack or other life-threatening illness. As a result, they develop anticipatory anxiety, avoidance of perceived triggers, and agoraphobia, i.e. fear of being in places or situations from which escape may be difficult or in which help might not be available in the event of a panic attack. (from American Psychiatric Association)

To read the Panic Disorder fact sheet from American Psychiatric Association, click here
To read the Panic Disorder fact sheet from Anxiety Disorders Association of America and take a screening test, click here

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Social Anxiety Disorder, or social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of being scrutinized and negatively evaluated by others in social or performance situations. Some people with SAD literally feel “sick from fear” in seeming non-threatening situations, such as ordering food in a restaurant or making a phone call. Though they recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with SAD feel powerless against their anxiety. They are terrified they will act in a way that will be embarrassing or humiliating. The anxiety can interfere significantly with daily routines, occupational performance, or social life. It can make it difficult to complete school, interview and obtain jobs, and create and maintain friendships and romantic relationships. (from Anxiety Disorders Association of America)

To read the SAD fact sheet from Anxiety Disorders Association of America and take a screening test, click here

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessions are upsetting and irrational thoughts which keep reoccurring. They cause great anxiety, which cannot be controlled through reasoning. Common obsessions include preoccupation with dirt or germs, nagging doubts, and a need to have things in a very particular order. To minimize these obsessions, many people with OCD engage in repeated behavior, or compulsions. Examples include repeated hand washing, constant rechecking to satisfy doubts, and following rigid rules of order. Compulsive behavior can be very disruptive to normal daily routines and social relationships. (from American Psychiatric Association)

To read the OCD fact sheet from American Psychiatric Association, click here
To read the OCD fact sheet from Anxiety Disorders Association of America and take a screening test, click here

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs in individuals who have survived a severe or terrifying physical or emotional event. People with PTSD may have recurrent nightmares, intrusive memories, or even have flashbacks, where the event seems to be happening all over again. They feel extreme distress when in circumstances that remind them of the trauma, and go to extremes to avoid these situations. Additional symptoms include:

• Feeling numb or detached
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling jittery or on guard
• Irritability

Events that can trigger PTSD include military combat, a violent personal attack, natural disasters, tragedies (e.g., plane crash), physical or sexual abuse during childhood, or witnessing another person’s serious injury. (from American Psychiatric Association)

To read the PTSD fact sheet from American Psychiatric Association, click here
To read the PTSD fact sheet from Anxiety Disorders Association of America and take a screening test, click here