Anxiety disorders
Excessive, hard-to-control fear and worry that disrupt everyday functioning.
Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions that share excessive, hard-to-control fear and worry out of proportion to any real threat. They include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder (panic attacks), specific phobias, agoraphobia and social phobia, among others. Anxiety shows up both mentally — constant worrying, tension, irritability — and in the body: a racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling or dizziness.
These are the most common mental health conditions — over a lifetime they affect as many as one person in four. They often start early in life and, left untreated, can persist for years, because avoiding the situations that trigger anxiety gradually narrows a person’s life more and more.
Anxiety disorders respond well to treatment. Psychotherapy and medication are similarly effective, and combining them often works best. The success of psychotherapy depends largely on the relationship between the patient and the therapist. The goal is to regain control over anxiety and return to functioning freely.
Lifestyle habits also help ease the symptoms: breathing and relaxation techniques, regular physical activity, protecting sleep, and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, which make anxiety worse. Gradually and gently facing avoided situations is valuable too — ideally with a therapist’s help.