1) There is only one type of anxiety disorder.

False. There are actually many types of anxiety disorders, but all anxiety disorders make people feel frightened or uneasy for no obvious reason. The most common anxiety disorders are obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder. Phobias are also anxiety disorders.

2) Anxiety disorders are uncommon.

False. Anxiety disorders are actually the most common mental illnesses in America. More than 19 million people suffer from these diseases each year.

3) People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may have to wash their hands constantly.

True. Without the right medicine, people with OCD feel the need to continually perform certain rituals such as cleaning, hand washing, counting or checking. They can also suffer from constant unwanted thoughts.

4) Panic disorder comes on from a genuinely frightening event.

False. People with panic disorder have panic attacks -- or sudden feelings of terror -- that strike without any warning.

5) Panic attacks have physical symptoms.

True. A person having a panic attack may get chest pains, a pounding heart, loss of breath, dizziness or stomach aches.

6) Anxiety disorders are not treatable.

False. Many medications are developing that are very helpful for people with anxiety disorders. These include Paxil, which is helpful both for panic disorder and for OCD, and Anafranil, Prozac and Zoloft which are used for helping people with OCD.

7) Psychotherapy helps people with anxiety disorders.

True. In particular, cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very helpful. This approach teaches people to think and behave differently in the situations that cause them anxiety.

8) People with anxiety disorders are dangerous.

False. Anxiety disorders do not make people behave dangerously or violently.

9) People with anxiety disorders understand that their behavior does not make sense.

True. People with anxiety disorders understand very well that they should not have to feel afraid for no reason or that they should not have to perform rituals. But they are unable stop themselves without help.

10) Anxiety disorders only strike older people.

False. Anxiety disorders can strike teenagers and, sometimes, children too.