Anxiety

What is an anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes feelings of nervousness, fear, or worry. These feelings are typically persistent, overwhelming, and difficult to control. 

There are several kinds of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder: excessive anxiety without an apparent cause
• Social anxiety disorder: overwhelming self-consciousness in everyday social circumstances
• Panic disorder: terror and panic attacks that cause physical symptoms that arise without an apparent reason
• Specific phobias: intense fear of a particular object or situation, such as insects or flying in a plane

Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily activities, work, and interpersonal relationships. They can also have an impact on your physical health. If you experience overwhelming anxiety, it’s a good idea to see a qualified mental health professional for an evaluation. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Different types of anxiety disorders present with various symptoms. However, some anxiety symptoms are common to most types of anxiety disorders, such as:

• Excessive, constant worry, nervousness, or fear
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Difficulty remaining calm
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, weakness, or trembling
• Digestive problems