Definition
While we all experience temporary anxiety at some time or another, anxiety disorders are long-term states of anxiety triggered by various causes.
The American Psychological Association describes anxiety and anxiety disorders as:
“An emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry.”
In anxiety disorders, anxiety does not gradually decline or go away over time. In fact, it may increase in frequency or intensity. These conditions often interfere with interpersonal relationships, school, or job performance.
Anxiety disorders may take several different forms, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
Signs and Symptoms
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety or worry that persists over long periods of time.
Common symptoms include:
- General feelings of restlessness
- Feeling “on edge”
- Getting tired easily
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mind occasionally “going blank”
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Obsessive worrying
- Sleep disturbances, such as:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Poor sleep quality or dissatisfaction with sleep
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks. A panic attack involves sudden, intense fear without a clear cause and may include physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, shaking, sweating, shortness of breath, or a feeling of impending doom.
Common symptoms of Panic Disorder include:
- Sudden attacks of intense, unreasoning fear
- Repeated panic attacks
- Feelings of loss of control
- Persistent worry about when the next attack will occur
- Fear of situations associated with past panic attacks
- Avoidance of places or situations that may trigger panic attacks
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder (also known as social phobia) is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations. These fears often involve embarrassment, negative judgment, rejection, or behaving inappropriately.
Common symptoms include:
- Anxiety in social or group settings
- Difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations
- Extreme self-consciousness in front of others
- Fear of humiliation or embarrassment
- Fear of rejection
- Anxiety about offending others
- Fear of being negatively judged
- Excessive worry about upcoming social situations
- Avoidance of social interactions
- Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
- Physical symptoms such as:
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Blushing
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
A psychologist should assess for Social Anxiety Disorder, as certain medical conditions or medications can cause similar symptoms. A comprehensive psychological evaluation considers the individual as a whole and may identify associated conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder, including:
- Being a naturally shy child
- Female gender (anxiety disorders are more common in women than men)
- Poverty or limited financial resources
- Divorce or widowhood
- Exposure to stressful or traumatic life experiences
- Genetic predisposition (anxiety disorders may run in families)
- Having a parent with a mental health disorder
Treatments and Therapies
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes psychotherapy, and in some cases, medication.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, focuses on:
- Understanding personal background and life experiences
- Identifying situational and emotional triggers for anxiety
- Learning strategies to reduce anxiety responses
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms
Some temporary discomfort may occur during therapy, particularly when addressing feared situations. However, this process is essential for long-term improvement.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on:
- Identifying anxiety-producing thoughts
- Challenging irrational or negative thinking patterns
- Replacing them with healthier, more realistic thoughts
- Developing practical coping skills and social skills
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is another effective approach that involves gradually confronting feared situations in a controlled and supportive environment. Over time, this helps condition responses from fear-based to calm and manageable, improving daily functioning.
Treatment Goals
There are multiple effective therapeutic approaches for managing anxiety disorders. The overall goal of treatment is to help individuals achieve normal, anxiety-free functioning in situations that previously caused fear or distress.