Terms You May Hear
Agoraphobia is the fear of public places or open spaces. People with agoraphobia try to avoid being in situations that make them feel trapped.
Anti-depressants are drugs that ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Anxiolytics are drugs that help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is marked by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday things. This constant worry affects a person's daily life and can cause physical symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, relates to uncontrollable behaviors such as cleaning, checking things over and over again, and hoarding objects.
Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear or discomfort. These attacks peak in about 10 minutes and may cause shortness of breath, a pounding heart, dizziness, or a feeling of "going crazy."
A panic disorder is diagnosed when a person suffers at least two panic attacks, followed by at least 1 month of concern over having another attack.
Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can develop after a life-threatening or very distressing situation that causes a person to feel intense fear, horror, or helplessness.
Source: Anxiety Disorders Association of America
