Anxiety is a common emotional response experienced by individuals in their daily lives. Many individuals find themselves preoccupied with concerns related to health, finances, education, employment, or familial issues. However, anxiety disorders represent a more severe condition than mere transient worry or fear. For those affected by these disorders, anxiety persists, manifests in various contexts, and may intensify over time.
Anxiety disorders encompass several categories, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Various phobia-related disorders
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
GAD is defined as excessive and enduring worry that is clearly disproportionate to the situation, and interferes with normal functioning. Compared with normal worrying which everyone feel sometimes due to health concerns, financial situations or family problems, the people with GAD worry all the time and over things that are actually not a big problem at all. Panic attacks are common symptoms of this condition, although they also cause persistent anxiety or fear in different areas of functioning. While anxiety can be considered as a reaction of biological state to some objects, events or situations, GAD means constant anxiety which can last for years.
The development of GAD is usually a gradual process, GAD is most often diagnosed during the third decade of life, but may start at the early age, including childhood. According to research, the disorder is more common in women than in men.
Signs and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
| Symptom Category | Signs and Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Emotional Symptoms | – Overconcern about trivial matters |
| – Stress and inability to manage worries | |
| – Realization of nervousness beyond normal levels | |
| – Heightened sensitivity or feeling easily provoked or agitated | |
| – Persistent anxiety interfering with relaxation | |
| Cognitive Symptoms | – Impaired concentration |
| – Heightened startle response | |
| Physical Symptoms | – Fatigue that persists or does not go away easily |
| – Headaches, muscle tension, or stomach discomfort | |
| – Difficulty swallowing | |
| – Tremors or twitching | |
| – Perspiration, dizziness, or rapid breathing | |
| – Frequent urination | |
| – Insomnia: Inability to sleep or remain asleep at night |
Children and Teens with GAD
Children and teenagers with GAD may exhibit excessive worry about:
- Performance in school or sports
- Catastrophes, such as natural disasters or wars
- Health of others, including family members
These anxieties may result in physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, or shortness of breath, affecting their ability to function.
Adults with GAD
Adults with GAD often feel nervous about:
- Job security or performance
- Personal health
- Finances
- The well-being of children or family members
- Being late for appointments
- Completing daily responsibilities, such as household chores
Fluctuations in Symptoms
The severity of symptoms can vary over time and often worsens during stressful situations, such as:
- Physical illness
- School exams
- Family or relationship conflicts
Both adults and children may experience physical symptoms that significantly impact their ability to function and their quality of life.
Treatments for generalized anxiety disorder?
If you are sure that you have some of the signs of GAD, consult a health care provider. When your health care provider has gone over your history your health care provider may perform some tests to rule out that another physical condition is not causing your symptoms. Your healthcare provider can recommend a mental health specialist – which may include psychiatrist, psychologist or a clinical social worker. First of all, the client is supposed to get a diagnosis, which is normally given by a mental health worker.
GAD is generally managed through psychotherapy, medications or both. Consult with a health care provider about what is best for you.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidenced based form of therapy is used in the treatment of GAD. CBT is a way of learning new approaches towards thoughts, behaviours and emotions that makes you feel less anxious or worried. CBT has been well researched and it is considered the best when it comes to providing therapy.
ACD is another treatment for GAD It is a behavioral and cognitive treatment that is considered to be every effective when used alongside medication. ACT also does not focus on negative thoughts and instead utilizes techniques like Mindfulness and value based goal setting to reduce your distress and anxiety. ACT is relatively recent type of psychotherapy treatment as compared to CBT; therefore there are less number of empirical findings regarding it. However, the efficacy of each therapy is unique to the kind of person who is involved and so it can be beneficial to speak to a specialist about which kind of therapy may be suitable for you.
For more information on psychotherapy, visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) psychotherapies webpage.
Medication
Doctors are likely to recommend drug for GAD to be taken. Comparable therapeutic effects can be attained by using various types of medications.
Support Groups
People who have anxiety disorders may need to find a SA or support group to share its problems and accomplishments with. There are face to face and internet based support groups. However, information that you get after consulting the members of the support group should be taken with a grain of salt and should not be used interchangeably for the health care provider’s prescription.
Healthy Habits
This is important to indicate that adopting healthy lifestyle also can assist in prevention of anxiety, nonetheless this is not a substitute to treatment. Other studies have proposed that making healthy lifestyle changes—eating less coffee and consuming adequate quantities of sleep—the decrease anxiety when practiced in combination with appropriate treatment which includes psychotherapy and medications.
Also, practising exercise, mindfulness, and meditation decreases the symptoms of anxiety and at the same time augments the outcome of psychotherapy. For more information about how these techniques help your treatment, get in touch with a health care provider.
To learn more ways to take care of your mental health, visit NIMH’s Caring for Your Mental Health webpage.
Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms
What is panic disorder?
Individuals with panic disorder experience several panic attacks which are spontaneous. These initial attacks are defined as an onset of a feeling of panic or discomfort or a feeling of substrate even where there is no apparent threat or precipitant. A person experiencing a panic attack does not necessarily mean that he or she is affected with panic disorder.
Other symptoms that occur with panic attacks mimic evidence of a heart attack and include trembling, tingling, or even a racing heartbeat. Panic attacks can occur at any particular time of the day. Most people with panic disorder are concerned with the possibility of having another attack, and may alter their lifestyle in order to avoid another one. Panic attacks might happen several times a day or, on the opposite, several time a year.
Panic disorder usually develops in the late adolescence or early adulthood. Panic disorder is more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
| Symptom Category | Signs and Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Emotional Symptoms | – Intense anxiety and fear during a panic attack |
| – Feeling of complete helplessness or fear of dying during an attack | |
| – Great concern about when the next panic attack will occur | |
| – Fear or avoidance of places where previous panic attacks have occurred (agoraphobia) | |
| Physical Symptoms | – Pounding or racing heart |
| – Sweating or chills | |
| – Trembling | |
| – Difficulty breathing | |
| – Weakness or dizziness | |
| – Tingling or numbness in hands | |
| – Chest pain | |
| – Stomach pain or nausea |
How is panic disorder treated?
Psychotherapy and Medication
What is social anxiety disorder and how is it diagnosed?
Specifically, specific social phobia is one of the most typical kinds of anxiety conditions. A person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in circumstances where they can potentially be watched or judged by other people, including giving a speech, meeting new people, going on a date, being in an interview, answering a question in class, or speaking to a cashier. Even carrying out mundane activities like eating or drinking in the company of others, or even bowing to answer a call in a public wash toilet may be a cause of anxiety or fear thus might be humiliated, judged or rejected.
The Social anxiety that people with the disorder experience is to the extent that they cannot seem to manage it in social situations. Such fear might prevent one from going to work, school or undertake a number of things he or she needs to do in the course of the day. Many other people could equally perform such tasks but tend to feel a lot of fear when doing them. Before the particular social event, a person diagnosed with SAD may get anxious for weeks about having to participate in social events. At other times, they are forced not to go to specific locations or occasions that lead to development of distress or embarrassment.
Special kinds of this disorder exist whereby the sufferer experiences no anxiety concerning social relations as may be deemed appropriate, but does during a performance. They experience symptoms of anxiety for example while making a speech, when they are part of a sports competition, or during a music recital.
Onset is said to be in late childhood and symptoms may in fact mimic simple social phobia or even withdrawal from situations or individuals. It is also seen most commonly in females than in males and the gender disparity is particularly higher in growing adolescents and young adults of age. If left untreated, with social phobia, a person may experience it for years, or even a whole life.
Signs and Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
| Symptom Category | Signs and Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Physical Symptoms | – Blushing, sweating, or trembling |
| – Rapid heart rate | |
| – Feeling sick to the stomach or experiencing nausea | |
| – Feeling the “mind going blank” | |
| Behavioral Symptoms | – Avoiding eye contact |
| – Difficulty being around unfamiliar people | |
| – Avoiding social situations or places with other people | |
| Emotional Symptoms | – Feeling self-conscious |
| – Fear of being negatively judged by others | |
| – Intense discomfort when needing to talk to people, even when desired | |
| Communication Challenges | – Rigid body posture |
| – Speaking with an overly soft voice |
Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder
Psychotherapy , support groups and Medication
NIMH’s Investigation into Anxiety Disorders
Approximately one-third of adolescents and adults in the United States will encounter an anxiety disorder at some stage in their lives. The symptoms associated with anxiety disorders can significantly disrupt daily functioning and routine activities, impacting job performance, academic responsibilities, and interpersonal relationships. In more severe instances, individuals may experience overwhelming fear in ordinary situations, leading to avoidance of social interactions or a reluctance to leave their homes.
How is NIMH addressing this important issue through research?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) engages in and funds research aimed at understanding the environmental and genetic factors that contribute to anxiety disorders. This includes comparative studies of brain development and biological differences between individuals with and without anxiety disorders. Additionally, the research supported by NIMH investigates familial and environmental influences that may heighten the risk of developing anxiety disorders across various age groups, including infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
NIMH-funded studies are also exploring the prevalence and manifestations of anxiety disorders following significant life events, such as pregnancy, trauma, or illness. A particular focus is placed on identifying predictors and symptoms of anxiety disorders in young people, especially during the transition to college and in relation to social media engagement.
Furthermore, NIMH is committed to researching interventions and treatments for various anxiety disorders. This includes studies that examine the intersection of anxiety with other mental health conditions, such as depression and eating disorders, as well as how the symptoms, severity, and treatment requirements for anxiety evolve with age.
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Explore clinical trials about anxiety disorders
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. To learn more or find a study, visit:
- Clinical Trials – Information for Participants: Answers to common questions about clinical trials, including why people might take part in a clinical trial and what they can expect
- Clinicaltrials.gov: Current Studies on Anxiety Disorders : List of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being conducted across the country
- NIMH Anxiety Disorders Studies for Adults: List of studies being conducted on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD
- NIMH Anxiety Disorders Studies for Children: List of studies being conducted on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD
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