Anxiety
Anxiety OverviewAnxiety is a feeling of nervousness, apprehension, fear, or worry. Some fears and worries are justified, such as worry about a loved one or in anticipation of taking a quiz, test, or other examination. Problem anxiety interferes with the sufferer's ability to sleep or otherwise function. It is noteworthy that teenagers are particularly susceptible to having irritability as a symptom of a number of emotional problems, including anxiety. Anxiety may occur without a cause, or it may occur based on a real situation but may be out of proportion to what would normally be expected. Severe anxiety can have a serious impact on daily life.
Next: Anxiety Causes » Viewer Comments & ReviewsAnxiety - Effective TreatmentsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
What kinds of treatments have been effective for your anxiety? |
Emotional Wellness
Get tips on therapy and treatment.
From WebMD
Anxiety/Panic Disorder Resources
- How Stress Affects Your Teeth and Gums
- When Anxiety and Depression Hit At Once
- Depression Warning Signs: What to Watch For
Featured Centers
- Smile Fixes: Whitening, Dentures, and More
- How Bad Is Your Diet? Assess Yourself
- 12 Tips to Stay Awake Naturally
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Anxiety
Addiction Overview
The current model to explain addiction suggests that addiction begins with the basic pleasure and reward circuits in the brain, which involve the chemical dopamine. These reward centers are designed to activate during pleasurable acts such as eating. Whenever ingesting a substance causes these reward circuits to activate, addiction and dependence is possible. However, addictive behaviors that are considered damaging or destructive have characteristics that distinguish them from normal behavior (see common characteristics of destructive addictions. Examples of common destructive addictions are alcohol intoxication, alcoholism, cocaine abuse, drug dependence and abuse, methamphetamine abuse, narcotic abuse, and substance abuse.
People with addictions often cannot quit on their own. Addiction is an illness that requires treatment. Treatment may include counseling, behavioral ...



