Anxiety & Related Conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People with GAD worry excessively about everyday things like work, health, finances, and relationships. This worry can be difficult to manage and often interferes with daily life.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder causes an intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings. People may avoid these situations, which can affect work, school, or relationships. More than shyness, it’s a persistent form of anxiety that can disrupt daily life and relationships.

Common triggers include:

• Eating or working while others watch
• Meeting new people
• Speaking or performing in front of others

Specific phobias

Specific phobias (often referred to simply as phobias) cause extreme fear of particular objects or situations. The fear often feels uncontrollable and can trigger panic.

Common phobia categories include:

• Animals: Fear of dogs, snakes, or insects
• Natural environment: Fear of heights, storms, or water
• Situational: Fear of flying, driving, or enclosed spaces
• Blood-injection-injury: Fear of medical procedures like getting blood drawn or surgery
• Other types: Fear of choking, vomiting, or loud sounds

Panic disorder

Panic disorder causes sudden, intense episodes of fear called panic attacks, which can sometimes feel like a heart attack. The fear of having another attack can cause people to avoid situations or places that might trigger one, a condition known as agoraphobia.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

PTSD and ASD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses trauma, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster. Symptoms lasting under a month usually point to ASD, while those that continue longer may indicate PTSD. Both are treatable with the right care and support.

Three main types of symptoms include:

• Re-experiencing the trauma: flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts
• Avoidance and emotional numbness: avoiding reminders or feeling detached
• Increased alertness: irritability, sleep problems, or feeling easily startled

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD causes recurring, unwanted thoughts and urges (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) meant to ease anxiety. OCD can take up hours of a person’s day, but treatments such as therapy (psychotherapy) and medication can greatly reduce symptoms. While anxiety is often part of OCD, it is now considered its own condition.

Common obsessions

• Fear of causing harm
• Fear of germs or contamination
• Fear that something bad will happen if a routine isn’t followed

Common compulsions

• Checking locks, appliances, or lights
• Counting or repeating phrases
• Repeated handwashing or cleaning

Anxiety has no single cause. It’s shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding what contributes to your anxiety helps you and your health care provider choose the most effective treatment.

Personal factors

• Personality: You may be more prone to anxiety if you’re a perfectionist, feel shy in social situations, or struggle with low self-esteem.
• Substance use: Alcohol or drug use can worsen anxiety, especially as their effects wear off.
• Family history: Having relatives with anxiety may increase your risk.
• Physical health: Living with chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease can cause ongoing worry and anxiety.

Life circumstances

• Chronic stress: Ongoing pressure at work or tension in relationships can raise your anxiety levels over time.
• Major life events: Divorce, job loss, or even positive changes like marriage can trigger anxiety.
• Trauma or grief: Experiencing abuse or losing a loved one can lead to lasting anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety affects everyone differently. It can show up through physical, emotional, mental, or behavioral symptoms, sometimes in combination.

Physical symptoms

• Chest tightness
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Trembling

Emotional & mental symptoms

• Feeling irritable or on edge
• Persistent worry or fear
• Trouble concentrating or sleeping

Behavioral symptoms

• Avoiding situations that cause anxiety

If your anxiety symptoms last longer than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be time to talk with a health care provider. The good news is that anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions.

Effective treatment options include:

• Talk therapy (psychotherapy): especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify and manage anxious thoughts.
• Medication: prescribed by a health care provider, often used alongside therapy.
• Lifestyle strategies: mindfulness, calm breathing, regular exercise, and social support.