Anxiety Disorder in America

Ethan Roy Roy 1

Klaich

AP English 111

April 11, 2008

Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (A, 6). It is very similar to other disorders and phobias except for one characteristic, rather than being anxious about one thing for a short time, a person with generalized anxiety disorder worry constantly (A,5). People with generalized anxiety disorder worry about things normal people would not. They build these small problems out to be huge and overwhelming. For instance, if a person that does not suffer from generalized anxiety disorder fails a test, it would not be such a problem to where it would keep him from functioning correctly. If a person who does suffer from generalized anxiety disorder fails a test, it would be a huge problem and would cause them to worry throughout the day. People with this disorder see these simple problems as overwhelming. They also generally have a pessimistic outlook on life ( B,8). General anxiety disorder is defined as feeling anxious throughout the day in a constant state of tension that affects the body (Wilson, pg.36). The individuals are constantly anxious; they tend to have episodes of panic (Wilson, pg.36). The sufferer responds to the disorder by withdrawing themselves from places and situations where anxiety might be present ( Wilson, pg.36). Individuals that suffer from generalized anxiety disorder also often procrastinate on performing tasks which adds to the anxiety, (Wilson, pg.36).

Anxiety disorder affects major systems of the body (Wilson, pg.36). It affects

Roy 2

blood pressure which causes rapid heart beat (Wilson, pg.36). This increase n blood pressure constricts blood vessels which cause arms and legs to tingle, it causes palpitations, headaches, and cold fingers (Wilson, pg.36). The Gastronial system is affected (Wilson, pg.36). Anxiety disorder reduces saliva, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, butterflies in stomach, gargling sounds of gas in the stomach, spasms, diarrhea, constipation, and cramp like pains in the upper stomach (Wilson, pg.36). The respiratory system experiences hyperventilation, over breathing, lowered levels of carbon monoxide in the blood, and ’pens-and-needles” sensations (Wilson, pg.36). The genitourinary system is affected by frequent urination, men may have a tough time keeping an erection,