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A psychological disorder characterized by excessive fear or worry

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. These feelings may cause physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate and shakiness. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. Anxiety is a worry about future events, and fear is a reaction to current events. These feelings may cause physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate and shakiness.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are classified into several types, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.
• Panic disorder: Involves sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
• Social anxiety disorder: Also known as social phobia, involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations.
• Specific phobias: Intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights or flying.
• Agoraphobia: Fear of places or situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment.
• Separation anxiety disorder: Excessive fear or anxiety about separation from home or an attachment figure.

Symptoms

Symptoms of anxiety disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder, but common symptoms include:

• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
• Having difficulty controlling worry
• Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

Causes

The causes of anxiety disorders are complex and may include:

• Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting that a combination of genes and environmental stresses can produce the disorders.
• Brain chemistry: Anxiety disorders may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions.
• Environmental factors: Stressful or traumatic events can trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety.
• Medical factors: Certain medical conditions or medications can cause symptoms of anxiety.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of anxiety disorders involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This may include:

• A physical exam to rule out other health conditions
• A psychological evaluation to discuss thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns
• Comparing symptoms to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Treatment

Treatment for anxiety disorders often includes a combination of therapy and medication. Common treatments include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of psychotherapy that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.
• Medications: Such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers.
• Lifestyle changes: Including stress management techniques, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.

Related pages

• Mental health
• Depression (mood)
• Stress (biology)
• Psychotherapy

Gallery

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  The Scream by Edvard Munch, often associated with anxiety and existential dread.