Anxiety Disorder Definition and Symptoms

Anxiety Disorder Definition and Symptoms

Anxiety disorder is a psychological condition that causes you to experience fear or dread over something. This can be very distressing and unsettling, interfering with daily activities as well as impacting relationships.

An anxiety disorder presents with a variety of symptoms. These may include feeling overwhelmed, worrying about inconsequential things like sleep patterns, having physical reactions like trembling or rapid heartbeat, as well as feeling irritated or upset.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a more severe type of anxiety disorder than ordinary anxiety. It may last for an extended period, and it’s difficult to manage.

Social anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder in which you have difficulty with social situations or relationships. It may make it difficult to maintain a job, attend school or do many of your favorite things.

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by repeated episodes of intense fear or panic that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). You may experience shortness of breath, chest pain or a rapid, fluttering heartbeat (heart palpitations).

Specific phobias are an anxiety disorder in which you experience an intense and persistent fear of something such as dogs, flying or spiders.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is available, and your doctor will work together with you to decide the most suitable course of action. Options may include medication or psychotherapy. Furthermore, they will teach new coping skills so that you can better manage your symptoms of anxiety.