Anxiety is a common human experience characterized by feelings of uneasiness, worry, fear, and apprehension. It is a normal reaction to stressful situations that can actually be beneficial in helping us avoid danger. However, for some people, anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and disruptive to daily life. This may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders have both mental and physical symptoms. Common symptoms include:
If you regularly experience distressing symptoms of anxiety that impact your ability to function, you may have an anxiety disorder requiring treatment.
Anxiety disorders develop from a complex combination of factors, including:
Often, the cause is unknown. Anxiety disorders frequently develop in late adolescence or early adulthood, but can happen at any age. Women are more prone to anxiety than men.
The good news about anxiety disorders is that various effective treatments exist, including:
Seeking help is the first step to overcoming problematic anxiety. Meet with a mental health professional to explore which treatments are best for giving you relief. Most people with anxiety disorders lead happy, fulfilling lives with proper care.