Anxiety disorders are conditions in which people respond to situations or things with fear, worry, terror, or panic. Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness and involves excessive fear or anxiety. Additionally, anxiety disorders can cause physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat. Notably, they are among the common psychological disorders affecting millions of people around the world.
Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood. Examples of anxiety disorders include Generalized anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder (social phobia), Specific phobias and Panic Disorder. You can have more than one anxiety disorder.
Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment. Whatever form of anxiety you have, treatment can help. Treatment usually involves a combination of Psychotherapy and Medication Management depending on the severity of the anxiety.