Anxiety is a feeling of fear, foreboding and inner tension. In moderate doses anxiety is useful: it mobilizes and helps you focus. But when the worry becomes excessive, uncontrollable and interferes with everyday life, it is an anxiety disorder.
Normal or a disorder?
Normal anxiety is situational and passes once the threat is over. With an anxiety disorder the worry does not go away, arises in many situations and intensifies over time. According to the NIMH, about a third of teenagers and adults experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.
The main types
Generalized anxiety disorder — almost daily excessive worry about everyday matters for ≥6 months. Panic disorder — sudden attacks of intense fear. Phobias — intense irrational fear of specific objects or situations. Social anxiety disorder — fear of social interactions and of being judged.
Symptoms and causes
Symptoms can be mental (intrusive, hard-to-control worry) and physical: a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, muscle tension, sleep problems. The exact causes are unknown; genetics, brain chemistry, chronic stress, childhood trauma and sometimes thyroid disease all play a role.
What helps
Psychotherapy (primarily cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT) and medication (antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs) are proven to work, often in combination. Stress management, sleep, physical activity and support groups also help. Anxiety is closely tied to emotional regulation skills.
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Calculators where Anxiety is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
When does anxiety warrant seeing a specialist?
If the worry is almost constant, arises in many situations, makes you avoid things or interferes with work, sleep and relationships — that is a reason to see a doctor. Psychotherapy and, if needed, medication are effective.
Is anxiety forever?
No. Anxiety disorders respond well to treatment: for most people CBT and/or medication markedly reduce symptoms. Many achieve lasting remission once they master anxiety-management skills.