Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause fear, dread and other symptoms that are out of proportion to the situation. There are several types, including generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias and social anxiety disorder. Treatment is effective and usually includes medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may respond to certain things and situations with fear and dread. You may also experience physical signs of anxiety, such as a pounding heart and sweating.
It’s normal to have some anxiety. You may feel anxious or nervous if you have to tackle a problem at work, go to an interview, take a test or make an important decision. Some anxiety can even be beneficial — it helps us notice dangerous situations and focuses our attention so we stay safe.
But an anxiety disorder goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. An anxiety disorder happens when:
Children, adolescents and adults can experience anxiety disorders. Women and people assigned female at birth are about twice as likely as men and people assigned male at birth to have one.
Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to get through the day. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for these conditions.
There are several types of anxiety disorders according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the standard reference manual for diagnosing mental health conditions. Types of anxiety disorders include:
Other mental health conditions share features with anxiety disorders. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But the American Psychiatric Association classifies them as distinct conditions and not anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions:
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Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary depending on the type.
Psychological symptoms may include:
Physical symptoms may include:
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional if you frequently experience these symptoms.
Like other types of mental health conditions, researchers don’t know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. But they think a combination of factors plays a role:
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If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, see a healthcare provider. They’ll start with a medical evaluation. They’ll do a physical exam and ask about your medical history, any medications you’re taking and if any of your family members have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
There aren’t any blood tests or imaging scans that can diagnose anxiety disorders. But your provider may run some of these tests to rule out physical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, like hyperthyroidism, for example. If there isn’t an underlying physical cause, your provider may refer you to a mental health professional.
A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, will do an interview or survey, asking questions about your symptoms, sleeping habits and other behaviors. They use criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 to make diagnoses of anxiety disorders.
Typically, the provider bases a diagnosis on:
An anxiety disorder is like any other health condition that requires treatment. You can’t will it away. It’s not a matter of self-discipline or attitude. Researchers have made a lot of progress in the last few decades in treating mental health conditions. Your healthcare provider will tailor a treatment plan that works for you. Your plan may include a combination of medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
Medications can’t cure an anxiety disorder. But they can improve the symptoms and help you function better. Medications for anxiety disorders often include:
Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the right medication combination and dosage. Don’t change the dose or stop taking medications without talking to your provider first. They’ll monitor you to make sure the medicines are working without causing negative side effects.
“Psychotherapy,” also called talk therapy, is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. A mental health provider talks through strategies to help you better understand and manage an anxiety disorder. Approaches include:
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Currently, there’s no known way to prevent anxiety disorders. But you can lessen many of the related issues with treatment. Seeking help as soon as symptoms appear can help decrease the disruption to your life.
Left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to serious complications, including:
Constant anxiety also increases your risk of cardiac events, like a heart attack.
This is why it’s crucial to seek help if you have an anxiety disorder. Treatment is effective. The right treatment can help improve your quality of life, relationships and productivity. It can also support your overall well-being.
Aside from seeking professional medical help and treatment, certain strategies can help you manage an anxiety disorder and make treatment more effective. They include:
Your healthcare provider is your partner in your care. If you feel like treatment for an anxiety disorder isn’t working or have questions about your medication, contact your provider. Together, you can figure out how to best move forward.
You don’t need to live with constant worry and fear. If you notice symptoms of an anxiety disorder, talk to a healthcare provider. It’s best to get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Doing so can limit the problems that anxiety disorders can cause. Often, a combination of medications and counseling for anxiety can help you feel your best.
Last reviewed on 07/03/2024.
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