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Definition
Depression is a medical disorder characterized by feelings
of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, and a general loss of
interest in life, combined with a sense of reduced emotional
well-being.
Definition
Anxiety disorders involve intense feelings of fear, anxiety,
worry or apprehension often associated with specific situations,
events or objects. The physical symptoms that accompany these
feelings include heart palpitations, trembling, dry mouth,
dizziness, nausea and diarrhea.
Description
Anxiety, nervousness, fear - everyone experiences these feelings
at one time or another. They are normal emotions that can
be appropriate and even beneficial under certain circumstances.
However, more than 20 million Americans suffer from anxiety
disorders - a collection of psychological problems characterized
by unnatural and unhealthy anxiety or irrational fears. The
emotions and fears surrounding these disorders can dominate
an individual's life, interfering with the ability to work,
socialize or maintain relationships with people.
Fortunately, anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Experts
estimate that up to 90 percent of people who suffer from anxiety
disorders can be helped through medication, behavior modification,
or psychotherapy.
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