Mental Health Condition
Anxiety Disorders
Understanding and treating anxiety, panic, and worry
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults. With proper treatment, anxiety is highly manageable.
Recognizing the Signs
Common Symptoms
- Excessive, persistent worry about everyday events
- Restlessness, feeling keyed up or on edge
- Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling
- Panic attacks — sudden, intense waves of fear
- Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating due to worry
- Sleep disturbances — trouble falling or staying asleep
If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, speaking with a mental health professional is the best next step.
Types & Subtypes
Forms of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry about multiple areas of life for at least 6 months.
Panic Disorder
Recurring unexpected panic attacks with fear of more attacks occurring.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense fear of social situations and being judged or embarrassed by others.
Specific Phobias
Intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations.
Getting Better
Treatment Options
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The gold-standard psychotherapy for anxiety. CBT helps identify and change thought patterns that fuel anxiety. Typically 12–20 sessions.
Medication
SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line medications for anxiety disorders. Buspirone and beta-blockers are also used. Medication is often combined with therapy.
Exposure Therapy
A form of CBT that gradually exposes you to feared situations in a controlled way to reduce avoidance.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Techniques like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
Information on this page is sourced from: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly.
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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988. Always consult a licensed mental health professional before making decisions about your care.