When does anxiety become a medical concern?

Anxiety is defined as a heightened feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease regarding events that have passed or have yet to come. Although most people experience anxiety, there are those whose anxiety require medical attention. Anxiety can sometimes manifest themselves physically in the form of headache, sweating, palpitations, tightness in the chest region, and an upset stomach. According to neuroengineering expert Dr. Curtis Cripe, certain levels of anxiety are medical concerns requiring medication and therapy to manage. Here are some major types of medical anxiety disorders.

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD is described as chronic anxiety heightened by worry and tension. GAD can be triggered even without the presence of outside stimulus. Like most anxiety disorders, this condition can affect a person’s lifestyle in terms of social activity, work, and personal health.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) This unique anxiety disorder is described as having recurring unwanted thoughts or behavior. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, people suffering from OCD with behavioral compulsions tend to have repetitive ticks such as washing their hands, counting objects, checking and re-checking the status of the room, or performing small rituals before they can go about an activity.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) This unique anxiety disorder only occurs after a person is subjected to a terrifying ordeal or event such as surviving an accident or having their lives seriously threatened. This disorder is common among war veterans as well as people who were harmed repeatedly over a period of time.

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Social Anxiety Disorder Lastly, social anxiety disorder occurs when a person has crippling levels of anxiety and self-consciousness which occur in regular social interactions. This can manifest itself in different ways like fear of speaking or being spoken to. Dr. Curtis Cripe Ph.D., is the head of research and development at the NTL Group. The group specializes in neuroengineering programs aimed at the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. connected to head injury, depression, anxiety, memory disorders, and learning disorders. To know more about Dr. Cripe, click on this link.