Have you ever experienced anxiety? Chances are you have.

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common reasons for visits to psychologists and other practitioners in the field of mental health. More than 23 million Americans suffer from a diagnosable and treatable form of anxiety.
   
Almost everyone experiences anxiety to some degree at some point in his/her life, and there are times when anxiety becomes a cause for concern. An important question to be answered regarding anxiety, therefore, is "How can I know if I should be concerned about my anxiety?" The answer to this question is - any degree of anxiety that causes you concern or distress warrants therapeutic attention.  Therapeutic services can serve to decrease or eliminate any level of anxiety, whether it is moderate or severe, so that you can function more effectively and comfortably in your daily life.
   
Students can experience anxiety when facing situations such as beginning a new career, experiencing relational problems, or preparing for that dreaded final exam. There are times, however, when anxiety becomes extreme and distressful, preventing one from functioning adequately at school or work; or from engaging in satisfying social interactions. Whenever this happens, your anxiety may meet the criteria for being considered a disorder.

This leads to the question, "What type of anxiety disorder do my symptoms of distress indicate?" There are several anxiety disorders that vary according to the type and severity of symptoms one experiences, as well as the focus of the anxiety. The following sections will describe the different anxiety disorders recognized in the DSM-IV (1997, American Psychiatric Association). If you do realize that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder please remember that anxiety is treatable and that help is available. The Counseling Center has a variety of resources to help you.