Anxiety disorders 

Occasional anxiety is a typical aspect of human existence. However, people with Anxiety disorders commonly experience acute, persistent, and pervasive concern and panic in response to commonplace events. Frequently, anxiety disorders are characterized by recurring episodes of acute anxiety, fear, or terror that peak within minutes (panic attacks). 

These sensations of anxiety and panic interfere with daily tasks, are difficult to manage, are disproportionate to the real threat, and can linger for an extended period of time. You may avoid certain locations or circumstances to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may begin in childhood or adolescence and persist throughout adulthood. 

Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), particular phobias, and separation anxiety disorder are examples of anxiety disorders. It is possible to have many anxiety disorders. Occasionally, anxiety is caused by a medical problem that requires treatment. 

No matter what type of anxiety you have, treatment can help. 

Symptoms 

Common indications and symptoms of anxiety include: 

Feeling uneasy, restless or tense 

A feeling of imminent danger, panic, or disaster 

exhibiting an elevated heart rate 

Breathing quickly (hyperventilation) 

Sweating 

Trembling 

Feeling weak or fatigued 

Difficulty concentrating or considering anything other than the current worry 

Having difficulties sleeping 

Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) troubles 

Having problems regulating anxiety 

Avoiding situations or objects that cause anxiety 

There are several types of anxiety disorders: 

Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-bee-uh) is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and frequently avoid locations or situations that could trigger panic and make you feel confined, helpless, or ashamed. 

Anxiety disorder produced by a medical illness is characterized by extreme anxiety or panic that is directly attributable to a physical health issue. 

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by continuous and excessive anxiety and stress about everyday activities or situations. The anxiety is disproportionate to the actual situation, impossible to regulate, and manifests physically. It is frequently accompanied by other anxiety disorders or sadness. 

Panic disorder is characterized by recurring bouts of severe anxiety, fear, or terror that peak within minutes (panic attacks). You may experience sensations of imminent doom, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fast, fluttering, or hammering heart rate (heart palpitations). These panic attacks may result in apprehension or avoidance of settings in which they have happened. 

Children with selective mutism are unable to talk in certain contexts, such as school, but are able to speak in others, such as at home with close family members. This can hinder academic, occupational, and social performance. 

Separation anxiety disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by excessive anxiety in relation to separation from parents or people with parental roles. 

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is characterized by elevated levels of anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions due to emotions of shame, self-consciousness, and fear of being evaluated or perceived adversely by others. 

Certain phobias are marked by intense fear and a strong desire to avoid a specific object or circumstance. Some people experience panic episodes due to phobias. 

Substance-induced anxiety disorder is defined by symptoms of extreme anxiety or panic that are a direct result of substance abuse, pharmaceutical use, toxic exposure, or drug withdrawal. 

Other specified anxiety disorder and nonspecific anxiety disorder are words for anxiety or phobias that do not fulfill the exact criteria for other anxiety disorders, but are nevertheless distressing and disruptive. 

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