According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders ranks the most common in the US. In recent studies, besides being ranked Number 1 in obesity, United States ranks Number 1 in global proportions as the country with the most anxiety.
What are Anxiety Disorders?
Approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older—18.1% of the adult population—suffer from an anxiety disorder, according to new figures from the NIMH. Anxiety disorders are a unique group of illnesses marked by persistent, irrational, uncontrollable anxiety. These include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and specific phobias. And the list goes on.
Why the surge? Diagnosis of anxiety disorders were not recognized in the past. Now, there are more medical terms to label condition that were misunderstood in the past. For example, what people previously deemed as having “nervous breakdowns” would likely be recognized as an anxiety disorder, today. Because of the significant advancement in medicine, doctors can more accurately recognize and diagnose these disorders. Therefore, the surge is not necessarily due to more anxiety disorders, but due to more people correctly being diagnosed for anxiety disorders.
What Causes Anxiety Disorders?
The cause of anxiety disorders varies from person to person, making the exact reason of anxiety difficult to trace. However, according to Paul J. Rosch, MD, Chairman of the Board of The American Institute of Stress, “Surveys show that stress levels [in the US] have progressively increased over the past four decades.” Recent economic downturn that caused unemployment, lower wages, the higher cost of living, health and child care costs have created a nation of worry.
Many sociology studies have shown that the race to get ahead is a strong factor in increasing the number of anxiety disorders and symptoms.
How Does Anxiety Affects Everyday?
Although anxiety is a fairly common experience for most people, how you experience it can deeply impact your daily life. Depending on your condition, anxiety can cause panic attacks, phobias, social problems, or depression. Consequently, any of these could negatively affect your quality of life. One major way anxiety could impact your life, is by affecting your ability to earn an income. Anxiety disorders can force you out of work short term or long term, blocking your ability to earn an income. Could you and your family get on without your income contribution? One way to protect your earnings is by buying Disability Insurance.
How Does Anxiety Affect Disability Insurance?
Different disorders can produce different decisions in the underwriting process. Some of the concerns that insurance companies will look at are the following:
- Type of disorder
- History of any depression
- Suicide attempts
- Medications
- Hospitalizations
- Counseling
- Lost time from work
Uncontrolled anxiety can be costly to our health and insurance needs. Qualifications for insurance rates are solely based on a clients complete history. However, talking to your insurance agent can give you the insurance that most accurately fits your needs.
In the meantime, if looking for a professional to help with your symptoms of anxiety or depression, a great place to start is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America that may offer resources in your community that can help.
