Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Anxiety Disorders - Ongoing worry or fear that is hard to control and interferes with daily life.
What is Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a normal response to stress, but anxiety disorders involve worry or fear that is excessive, lasts months and disrupts daily life. Types include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and phobias. Physical symptoms such as a racing heart can feel alarming, and some people mistake panic attacks for heart attacks. Anxiety disorders are common and treatable.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetics and family history
- Stressful or traumatic experiences
- Ongoing health, money or work worries
- Caffeine, alcohol or drug use
- Some medical conditions such as overactive thyroid
Signs and Symptoms
- Constant worry or restlessness
- Racing heart, sweating, trembling
- Breathlessness or chest tightness
- Trouble sleeping and concentrating
- Panic attacks
- Avoiding situations
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Urgently
- Chest pain with breathlessness - get urgent assessment to rule out heart problems
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Unable to function or leave home
Diagnosis: Tests, Lab and Imaging
Diagnosis is made by a clinician through conversation and questionnaires such as GAD-7. Tests may rule out thyroid or heart conditions.
Treatment and Medicines
Cognitive behavioural therapy is highly effective. Relaxation and breathing skills, regular exercise and reducing caffeine help. Some people benefit from medicines prescribed by a doctor.
Emergency
If you notice any red-flag sign, call 1122 (Pakistan), 911 (USA), 999 (UK) or 112 (Europe), or go to the nearest emergency department. See our emergency first aid guide.
Complications
Depression, substance misuse and social isolation.
Prevention
- Regular sleep and exercise
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Talk about worries early
- Learn breathing and grounding techniques
Outlook and Follow-up
Most people improve significantly with therapy, self-help and sometimes medicine.
Patient Education
Write down your questions before appointments, bring a list of all medicines, and ask what results mean for you. Use our symptom checker to learn which departments relate to your symptoms. This Anxiety Disorders guide is educational and reviewed against WHO, CDC and NIH sources by the ghkh.site editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anxiety cause chest pain?
Yes, but chest pain should always be checked to rule out heart causes.
How long do panic attacks last?
Usually peak within 10 minutes and pass within about 20-30 minutes.
Will I need medicine forever?
Not usually. Plans are reviewed regularly.
Sources
We summarise these sources in our own words. Mention of an organisation does not imply endorsement.