Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress, but when worry becomes overwhelming or persistent, it may be an anxiety disorder.
You're not alone. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the US annually. They're highly treatable, yet only 37% of people receive treatment. Professional support can make a significant difference.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. These descriptions are not diagnostic tools. Only qualified healthcare providers can diagnose anxiety disorders through proper clinical evaluation.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety becomes a disorder when worry, fear, or nervousness becomes so intense or frequent that it interferes with daily life, relationships, or work. While everyone experiences anxiety sometimes, anxiety disorders involve persistent symptoms that don't go away on their own.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about many areas of life
- Panic Disorder: Recurring panic attacks and fear of having more attacks
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and being judged
- Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations
Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety affects both mind and body. Symptoms often overlap between different anxiety disorders and can range from mild to severe.
Emotional & Mental Symptoms
- • Persistent worry or dread
- • Racing or repetitive thoughts
- • Feeling restless or "on edge"
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Irritability or mood changes
- • Fear of losing control
- • Sense of impending doom
- • Avoiding certain situations
Physical Symptoms
- • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- • Sweating or hot flashes
- • Trembling or shaking
- • Shortness of breath
- • Muscle tension or aches
- • Stomach problems or nausea
- • Fatigue or trouble sleeping
- • Headaches or dizziness
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider Professional Support If:
- Anxiety interferes with work, school, or relationships
- You avoid activities or places due to anxiety
- Symptoms persist for more than 6 months
- Physical symptoms are causing distress
- You're using alcohol or substances to cope
🚨 Seek Emergency Help If You Experience:
- • Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- • Severe panic attacks lasting hours
- • Complete inability to function
- • Extreme confusion or feeling disconnected from reality
Crisis Resources Available 24/7:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
Emergency Services: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. Most people experience significant improvement with proper treatment.
Therapy Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns
- Exposure Therapy: Gradual, safe exposure to feared situations
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy: Focus on values-based living despite anxiety
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Present-moment awareness and stress reduction
Medication Management
- SSRIs/SNRIs: Often first-line treatment for long-term management
- Buspirone: Non-addictive option for generalized anxiety
- Beta-blockers: For physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat
- Short-term medications: Carefully managed for acute situations
All medications require careful evaluation and monitoring by qualified healthcare providers.
Self-Help Strategies
While professional treatment is often necessary, these strategies can complement treatment and provide daily support.
Daily Practices
- • Regular sleep schedule
- • Limit caffeine and alcohol
- • Regular physical activity
- • Balanced nutrition
- • Deep breathing exercises
Mindfulness Tools
- • Meditation apps
- • Progressive muscle relaxation
- • Grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1)
- • Mindful breathing
- • Journaling
Social Support
- • Connect with trusted friends
- • Join support groups
- • Talk to family members
- • Consider peer support
- • Limit isolation
Expert Medical Review
Reviewed by: Keeley Haas, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Last reviewed: August 10, 2025
Dr. Haas specializes in evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders using both therapeutic and medication approaches. Content is reviewed regularly and updated based on current clinical practice guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and SAMHSA.
Get Professional Support for Anxiety
Early intervention can prevent anxiety from worsening and help you regain control of your life.