What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. They are characterized by intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. These feelings can interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, and are out of proportion to the actual danger.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Excessive worry about everyday things that lasts for at least 6 months. People with GAD worry even when there's little or no reason to worry.
Common Symptoms:
- Excessive worry
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension
- Sleep problems
Panic Disorder
Recurrent panic attacks - sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions when there's no real danger.
Common Symptoms:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of losing control
- Fear of dying
Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in social or performance situations.
Common Symptoms:
- Fear of social situations
- Avoidance of social events
- Worry about embarrassment
- Physical symptoms in social settings
Specific Phobias
Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, or animals.
Common Symptoms:
- Irrational fear
- Immediate anxiety response
- Avoidance behavior
- Recognizing fear is excessive
Causes and Risk Factors
Anxiety disorders can have multiple causes:
- Genetics and family history
- Brain chemistry and function
- Personality traits
- Life experiences and trauma
- Medical conditions
- Substance use
Treatment Options
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for anxiety disorders:
- • Helps identify and challenge negative thoughts
- • Develops coping strategies
- • Exposure therapy for phobias
Medication
In some cases, medication may be recommended:
- • Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)
- • Anti-anxiety medications
- • Beta-blockers for physical symptoms
Getting Help
If you're experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, know that help is available and treatment is effective. Many people with anxiety disorders see significant improvement with the right support.