Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety describes the reactions within our minds and bodies to situations that are stressful, dangerous, or create a sense of uncertainty. Nearly everyone experiences occasional feelings of anxiety – nervousness, worry, or fear. These feelings are typically triggered by a specific event or situation and pass once the event is over. Anxiety disorders describe feelings of anxiety that occur so frequently and with such intensity that people aren’t able to enjoy and participate in daily life as they once were. Anxiety disorders are both very common and highly treatable.

Signs of Anxiety
Excessive worrying or fear
Decline in work performance
Restlessness, inability to focus
Avoidance of tasks or situations of importance
Irritability and lashing out
Teens: moody, increasingly confrontational, socially isolating
Children: increase in tantrums and/or defiant behavior

Symptoms of Anxiety
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Dizziness
Changes in appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Muscle tension
Upset stomach or other GI problems
The signs and symptoms of anxiety will vary from person to person. At times, symptoms will be severe and impact people’s lives in significant and negative ways. But symptoms can also be mild for long stretches. Similarly, the signs of anxiety can be readily apparent in some situations and quite difficult to recognize in others. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of anxiety and think it’s negatively impacting your life, your relationships, or creating changes in your behavior or thoughts that you’re unhappy with, speak with a licensed professional that specializes in anxiety and anxiety disorders.

Treatment of Anxiety
What are Treatment Options for Anxiety?
Quick Answer ⊕
What are Medications Options for Anxiety?
Quick Answer ⊕
What is CBT for Anxiety?
Quick Answer ⊕
Anxiety disorders are quite common. In fact, every year nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US will struggle with anxiety. Fortunately, the effects of anxiety disorders can be significantly reduced, and even eliminated, with treatment. Finding a licensed mental health professional that has experience treating anxiety disorder, that you trust and feel comfortable talking to is a great first step toward reducing anxiety’s impact on your life.

Types of Anxiety Disorders
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Quick Answer ⊕
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Quick Answer ⊕
What are Specific Phobias?
Quick Answer ⊕
What is Panic Disorder?
Quick Answer ⊕
Panic Attacks vs Anxiety Attacks
Quick Answer ⊕
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Quick Answer ⊕
What is Acute Stress Disorder?
Quick Answer ⊕
Stress vs Anxiety
Quick Answer ⊕
What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Quick Answer ⊕
There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with its own distinct pattern of onset, symptoms, and duration. It’s possible (and relatively common) to be living with two or more anxiety disorders at once. It’s also possible to be living with an anxiety disorder while also suffering from other co-occurring disorders, like depression. If you’re feeling unhappy with your behavior, your thoughts, or your relationships – for any reason at all – speaking with a licensed therapist is an appropriate first step.

Anxiety Statistics
adults, or 3.1% of the U.S, are affected by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Read Our Most Recent Anxiety Articles
Harm OCD: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Pure O OCD: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Relationship OCD: Symptoms, Examples, & Treatment Options
HOCD: What It Is, Signs, & Treatments
OCD vs. OCPD: Understanding the Differences
Perfectionism & OCD: Understanding the Connection & Differences
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms, Signs, & Treatments
OCD Symptoms, Signs, & What to Watch For
Is It Possible to Have Mild OCD?
Effexor (Venlafaxine) For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
Avoidant Personality Disorder vs. Social Anxiety: Key Differences
CBT for Social Anxiety: How It Works, Examples & Effectiveness
23 Tips for Overcoming Test Anxiety
How to Get a Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Prescription: Everything You Need to Know
Anxiety & Insomnia: Connections & How to Cope
What Causes OCD to Get Worse? 7 Triggers to Be Aware of
OCD & Sleep: Understanding the Connection & How to Cope
School Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Help
Shyness Vs. Social Anxiety: Understanding the Difference
Signs You’re Socially Awkward & How to Deal With It
Social Anxiety Treatment: Therapy, Medication, & Self-Help
Social Anxiety Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Panic Attacks in the Elderly: Causes, Getting Help, & 8 Ways to Cope
Time Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & Tips for Coping
Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Trichophagia (Rapunzel Syndrome): Symptoms, Health Risks, & Treatments
Rumination: Definition, Causes, & 10 Tips for Stopping
Can You Die From a Panic Attack?
Zoloft For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
Paxil for Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
Is Anxiety Genetic? What Research Says & How to Cope
Cymbalta For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
Panic Attack: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Cope
Social Anxiety in Teens: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
ADHD vs. Anxiety: Understanding the Differences
Panic Disorder: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: Differences in Signs, Pain, & Risk Factors
Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack: Differences, Similarities, & What To Do
Types of Anxiety Disorders
How to Calm Anxiety: 31 Tips From Therapists
23 Tips for Overcoming Procrastination
Panic Disorder Treatment: Medication, Therapy, & How to Cope
ADHD & Social Anxiety: Connections & How to Cope
Postcoital Dysphoria: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Anxiety Treatment Without Medication: 17 Non-Drug Options
Anxiety Symptoms & Signs: What to Look For
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Signs & Treatments
Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, & Treatments
Medication for Social Anxiety: Types, Side Effects, & Management
Anxiety Dreams: What They Are, Causes, & How to Stop Them
Intrusive Thoughts: Types, Causes, & Treatment
Systematic Desensitization: How It Works & What to Expect
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs): Types, Symptoms, & Treatments
Hypnosis for Anxiety: How It Works, Examples, & Effectiveness
CBD Oil for Anxiety: How It Works & Effectiveness
Hangover Anxiety (Hangxiety): Definition, Causes, & Prevention
Exposure Therapy: How It Works & What to Expect
EMDR for Anxiety: How It Works, Examples & Effectiveness
8 Options for Anxiety Therapy
Marijuana & Anxiety: Connections, Potential Benefits, & Risks
22 Natural Remedies for Anxiety
Acupuncture for Anxiety: Benefits, Risks, & What to Expect
Anxiety at Night: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Cope
CBT for Anxiety: How It Works & Examples
Real Event OCD: What It Is, Symptoms, & Treatment
ADHD & Anxiety: Connections, Differences, & Treatment Options
How to Overcome Perfectionism: 21 Tips for Success
How to Stop Worrying: 25 Tips
How to Help Someone With Anxiety
Meditation for OCD: Benefits, Techniques, & Exercises to Try
Catastrophizing: Definition, Causes, & How to Stop
Anxiety After Eating: 9 Causes & How to Cope
Social Anxiety in Children: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Help
Mindfulness for Anxiety: How It Works & Techniques to Try
Money Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Doomscrolling: What It Is & How to Stop
OCD & Narcissism: Links, Causes, & Treatment
Havening: What It Is & How It Works
Meditation for Anxiety: How It Works & Tips for Getting Started
Grounding Techniques: 30 Examples & How They Help
Celexa (Citalopram) For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
Yoga for Anxiety: Effectiveness & Poses to Try
How to Deal With Feeling Overwhelmed: 25 Ways to Cope
How to Deal With Chronic Procrastination & When to Get Help
Avoidance Coping: What It Is, Effectiveness, & Alternatives to Try
Avoidance Behavior: Examples, Impacts, & How to Overcome
OCD vs. Anxiety: What Is the Difference?
Defensive Pessimism: Definition & Effectiveness
Anticipatory Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
Stress Vs. Anxiety: Understanding the Difference
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Bipolar Disorder vs. Anxiety Disorder: Understanding the Differences
Anxiety and Anger: Connection, Treatments, & How to Cope
Perfectionism & Anxiety: Connections & How to Cope
23 Tips for How to Deal With Existential Dread
Inferiority Complex: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatments
Imposter Syndrome: Signs, Causes, & 11 Ways to Overcome
Work Anxiety: Signs, Causes, & 13 Ways to Cope
Hypervigilance: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
17 Common Anxiety Triggers & How to Cope With Them
Free Floating Anxiety: Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Insecurity: Definition, Causes, & 11 Ways to Cope
Climate Anxiety: What It Is & How to Deal With It
Illness Anxiety Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Eco Anxiety: What It Is & How to Deal With It
OCD Comorbidity: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, & More
Test Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Cope
Situational Anxiety: What It Is & How to Cope
35 Tips for Overcoming New Job Anxiety
35 Tips for Overcoming Interview Anxiety
Anxiety After Miscarriage: Common Types & How to Cope
Fear vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Guilt Complex: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Perfectionism: Signs, Causes, & Ways to Overcome
High Functioning Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Bipolar Disorder & Anxiety: Connections, Symptoms, & Treatment Options
Morning Anxiety: Why It Happens & How to Cope
Election Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & 10 Ways to Cope
Technophobia: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Cyberphobia (Fear of Computers): Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Megalophobia (Fear of Large Objects): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
What Is Emotional Attachment & When Does It Become Unhealthy?
Symmetry OCD: What it is, Symptoms, & Treatment
OCD & Eating Disorders: Connections, Symptoms, & Treatments
Dementophobia: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Serial Monogamy: Signs, Causes, & Breaking the Cycle
Anxiety & Eating Disorders: Understanding the Connection
Parental Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & Tips for Management
Somatic OCD: Definitions, Symptoms, & Treatment
Infertility’s Impact on Communication With Your Partner
Abandonment Issues: Signs, Causes & How to Overcome
Fear of Intimacy: Causes, Getting Help, & Ways To Cope
Breathe2Relax Review 2022: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
OCD & Sexual Intrusive Thoughts: Connections & Treatment Options
Mantras for Anxiety: 12 Mantras & How They Help
Xanax (Alprazolam): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More
Nyctophobia (Fear of the Dark): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome: 13 Tips From a Therapist
Uncontrollable Crying: Potential Causes & How to Stop
What’s the Connection Between IBS and Anxiety?
My Sensa Health App Review 2022: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
Nervous Breakdown: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
How To Help Someone Having a Panic Attack: 15 Tips
Motherhood Imposter Syndrome: What It Is, Effects, & How to Overcome
The 333 Rule: Benefits & How to Use It
Best Online OCD Resources: Therapy, Apps, & Support Groups
The 54321 Method: Benefits & How to Use It
Checking OCD: What It Is, Symptoms, & Treatment
Best Anxiety Books for Teens in 2022
Acute Stress Disorder: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
Childhood Trauma: Types, Causes, Signs, and Treatments
Quarter Life Crisis: Signs, Causes, & How to Cope
Teenage Angst: Causes, Getting Help, & 10 Ways to Cope
Ommetaphobia (Fear of Eyes): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Erythrophobia (Fear of Blushing): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Anxiety & Weight Loss: Causes & How to Cope
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: How It Works & Who It’s Right For
Anxiety in Teens: What It Looks Like, Causes, & Treatments
Medication for Anxiety: Types, Side Effects, and Management
Anxiety Treatment: Therapy, Medication, Lifestyle & Self Help
How Does Xanax Make You Feel?
Fear of Change: Causes, Getting Help, & Ways to Cope
How to Deal With College Graduation Depression & Anxiety
Monophobia (Fear of Being Alone): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
How to Deal With High School Graduation Depression & Anxiety
Midlife Crisis: Signs, Coping, & Getting Help
Identity Crisis: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Existential Crisis: Signs, Causes & How to Overcome
Prozac for Anxiety Disorders: Effectiveness, Side Effects, & Interactions
Menopause & Anxiety: Connections, Signs, & How to Cope
Anxiety Tremors: Causes & How to Stop
Postpartum OCD: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Postpartum Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Why Can’t I Focus?
Anxiety While Pregnant: Causes & Treatments of Perinatal Anxiety
Tokophobia (Fear of Pregnancy): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Can Anxiety Kill You?
Nocturnal Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Cope
Can Anxiety Cause Nausea?
Astraphobia (Fear of Thunder & Lightning): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
How to Get Anxiety Medication: Everything You Need to Know
Why Am I So Emotional? 16 Reasons You Feel This Way
Anxiety vs. Depression: Understanding the Differences
Orgasm Anxiety: Causes, Treatments & How to Cope
Sexual Anxiety: Types, Symptoms, Treatments, & More
How Long Does it Take for Anxiety Medication to Work?
Fear of Rejection: Signs, Effects, & How to Overcome
Agoraphobia: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Anthropophobia (Fear of People): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Stage Fright: Definition, Causes, & How to Get Over It
Glossophobia (Fear of Public Speaking): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
17 Tips for Dating Someone With Anxiety
Anxiety Medication During Pregnancy: Safety, Risks & Questions to Ask
63 Journal Prompts for Anxiety & Tips for Getting Started
15 Best Jobs for People With Social Anxiety & Tips to Make Any Job Work
How to Stop Being Neurotic: 12 Tips
Workaholism: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
What Does Anxiety Medication Feel Like?
Pathological Demand Avoidance: Characteristics & Treatments
Anxiety in Men: Signs & Treatment Options
Anxiety in Women: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Anxiety in Older Adults: Signs, Treatments, & Ways to Cope
Stranger Anxiety: What It Is & How to Help Your Child
Sexual Performance Anxiety: Causes, Treatments, & How to Cope
Fear of Failure: Causes & 10 Ways to Cope With Atychiphobia
Mysophobia (Fear of Germs): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Zoophobia (Fear of Animals): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Separation Anxiety Disorder In Adults: Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Relationship Anxiety: Signs, Causes, & 8 Ways to Overcome
Arachnophobia (Fear of Spiders): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options
Existential Anxiety: Causes, Treatments, & How to Cope
Fear of Driving (Vehophobia): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Ergophobia (Fear of Working): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Depression & Anxiety: Connections, Symptoms, & Treatment Options
Panic Disorder Medications: How to Treat Panic Attacks
OCD in Teens: Signs & How to Help
35 Best Anxiety Quotes for 2022
Exposure Therapy for OCD: How It Works, Examples & Effectiveness
Asocial vs. Antisocial Behavior: Understanding the Differences
CBT for PTSD: How It Works, Examples & Effectiveness
Panic Attacks While Driving: Signs, Causes, & How to Stay Calm
How Long Do Panic Attacks Last?
Phobia Treatments: Therapy, Medication, & Self-Help
Chronophobia (Fear of Time): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
CBT for OCD: How It Works, Examples & Effectiveness
Brain Fog: Causes, Symptoms & How to Cope
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder: How It Works & What to Expect
Hemophobia (Fear of Blood): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
2022’s Best Books for Anxiety: 21 Unlikely Essentials
Entomophobia (Fear of Insects): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Neurotic Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
Just Right OCD: Obsessions, Compulsions, & Treatments
Fear of Bees (Melissophobia): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Causes of Driving Anxiety & 5 Ways to Overcome It
Scopophobia (Fear of Being Stared At): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
30 Bible Verses for Anxiety
Medication for OCD: Types, Side Effects, & Effectiveness
OCD in Children: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Existential OCD: Obsessions, Compulsions, & Treatments
Best Mental Health Apps for 2022
10 Best OCD Books For 2021
Ophidiophobia (Fear of Snakes): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Anxiety in College Students: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Aerophobia (Fear of Flying): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Cynophobia (Fear of Dogs): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
11 Best OCD Podcasts for 2021
Acrophobia: Symptoms, Treatments & How to Cope
Coping With the Fear of Dying Alone
Contamination OCD: Obsessions, Compulsions, & Treatments
15 Best Anxiety Blogs for 2021
Fear of the Unknown: Causes, Signs, & How to Overcome
OCD Treatment: Therapy & Medication Plans
Trypanophobia (Fear of Needles): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Sensory Overload: What It Is, Symptoms, & Treatments
15 Best OCD Youtube Channels for 2021
Scrupulosity OCD: Symptoms, Examples, & Treatment Options
15 YouTube Channels for Anxiety
Fear of Cancer: Causes, Treatments, & How to Overcome
Misophonia: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatments
14 Best Anxiety Podcasts for 2021
Somniphobia (Fear of Sleep): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Alcohol & Anxiety: Connections & Risks
Separation Anxiety Disorder In Children: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health
Specific Phobias: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
14 Best Books for Social Anxiety
Cyberchondria: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
How to Get Out of a Funk: 13 Tips for Success
Thalassophobia: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Thanatophobia: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Chronic Pain and Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Health
Anxiety Statistics, Facts, & Resources
Anxiety in Children: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Claustrophobia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and COVID-19
Hoarding Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Selective Mutism: Symptoms, Signs & Treatments
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy: What It Is & How It Works
Updated by the Choosing Therapy Team on 9.30.20.