How Much Do You Know About Anxiety Disorders?

Fear and anxiety are a necessary part of life. Whether it's a feeling of anxiety before taking a test or a feeling of fear as you walk down a dark street, normal anxiety can be protective and stimulating. Unfortunately, more than 19 million Americans with anxiety disorders face much more than just "normal" anxiety. Instead, their lives are filled with overwhelming anxiety and fear that can be intense and crippling. Although anxiety disorders can be disabling, research supported and conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has provided insight into their causes and has resulted in many effective treatments.

1. Which of the following are disorders of the brain?

Stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis
Anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, depression, alcohol addiction
Autism, anorexia, learning disabilities, dyslexia, migraines
Alzheimer's, Tourette syndrome, Parkinson's, brain tumor
All of the above

2. Post-Traumatic stress disorder, once referred to as shell shock or battle fatigue, is a condition that only affects war veterans.

True
False

3. Someone who feels compelled to spend a great deal of time doing things over and over again such as washing their hands, checking things, or counting things has an anxiety disorder.

True
False

4. What is the most common mental health problem in the United States?

Depression
Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders

5. Which of the following diseases/disorders are real medical illnesses?

Anxiety disorders
Diabetes
High blood pressure
All of the above

6. Which of the following are symptoms of an anxiety disorder known as panic disorder?

Chest pains
Dizziness
Nausea or stomach problems
Fear of dying
All of the above

7. Anxiety disorders often occur with other illnesses.

True
False

8. Most people successfully take control of the symptoms of anxiety disorders by sheer willpower and personal strength.

True
False