Anxiety Disorder 

Anxiety Disorder 

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent worry or fear that interferes with daily life. While occasional anxiety is normal, anxiety disorders involve intense, long-lasting anxiety that may occur without a clear reason and can affect work, relationships, sleep, and physical health.

Anxiety Disorder 

What is Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders occur when the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” response becomes overactive or triggered too easily. This leads to ongoing feelings of fear, tension, and uneasiness even in non-threatening situations.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    • Constant worry about daily matters (health, money, family)

  2. Panic Disorder

    • Sudden, intense panic attacks with chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness

  3. Social Anxiety Disorder

    • Fear of social situations or being judged

  4. Specific Phobias

    • Intense fear of specific objects/situations (heights, flying, needles)

  5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (often grouped separately)

  6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (trauma-related)

Common Symptoms

Emotional & Mental

  • Excessive worry or fear

  • Feeling restless, tense, or “on edge”

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Fear of losing control

Physical

  • Palpitations or fast heartbeat

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sweating

  • Trembling

  • Stomach upset, nausea

  • Headache

  • Muscle tension

  • Sleep problems

Causes & Triggers

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Chronic stress

  • Traumatic experiences

  • Imbalance of brain chemicals

  • Long-term illness

  • Excess caffeine

  • Substance use

  • Major life changes (loss, job stress, relationship issues)

Risk Factors

  • Family history of anxiety or depression

  • Childhood adversity

  • Chronic medical conditions

  • Substance misuse

  • Poor sleep

  • High-stress lifestyle