What is anxiety disorder?
Anxiety is feeling fear or uneasy. It can be a normal reaction to stress, such as a problem at work or a test at school. It can help you cope and even motivate you to focus.
However, anxiety disorders are conditions in which you have anxiety that doesn’t go away. It can get worse over time and can get in the way of everyday activities.
Anxiety disorders can sometimes lead to serious complications, such as depression, alcoholism or drug abuse. It’s a condition that may benefit from specific treatments.
What are the most common types of anxiety?
Here are five of the most common anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: This is typically an unrealistic worry about everyday tasks.
- Panic disorder: You feel a sudden fear that causes a panic attack. This may include excessive sweating, chest pain and pounding heart.
- Social anxiety disorder: You feel an overwhelming worry about social situations. You are likely overly self-conscious and fear others judging you.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This develops if you’ve had shocking, scary or dangerous experiences. PTSD often causes a fight-or-flight response to help you avoid potential danger.
- Phobias: You have an intense fear of something that poses little or no danger.
What are some anxiety symptoms?
Anxiety can cause several symptoms. Most often, people feel overly worried or fearful. It can make it hard to sleep and concentrate. Here are some common symptoms of anxiety:
- Uneasy feeling, panic, or danger
- Trouble sleeping
- Unable to stay calm and still
- Cold, sweaty or tingling hands or feet
- Trouble breathing (both shortness of breath and breathing faster than normal)
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or feeling weak
- Can’t stop thinking about a problem
- Unable to concentrate
- Strong fear of objects or places
