ANXIETY

Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress, marked by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease. While occasional anxiety is normal, an anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings persist, intensify over time, and begin to interfere with daily life.

Anxiety vs. Fear

Although often confused, anxiety and fear are different:

• Fear is an immediate reaction to a known, present threat.
• Anxiety is a future-focused feeling of apprehension about a potential or uncertain threat.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can affect the mind, body, and behavior.

Psychological symptoms include constant worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a sense of impending danger.
Physical symptoms may involve a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, fatigue, stomach discomfort, and sleep problems.
Behavioral symptoms often include avoiding anxiety-triggering situations, social withdrawal, and changes in eating habits.

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders develop due to a combination of factors such as genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances, prolonged stress or trauma, and certain medical conditions or substance use.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Common forms include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, and separation anxiety disorder.

Treatment Options

Effective treatment is available. Options include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy) and medication, which can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.