Anxiety

Overview of Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

It’s common for people to feel a little anxious from time to time. We rely on it to let us know when there’s danger nearby. It’s our body’s reaction to stressful situations. For example, you may be anxious before an interview or meeting someone new for the first time.

Anxiety disorders are more than just temporary worries or fears. If someone has an anxiety disorder, their anxiety doesn’t go away, and it can even get worse over time. This constant worry can make it hard to do daily things like go to work, perform well at school, or socialize with others.

There are different forms of anxiety: General Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Phobia Disorders. Individuals may have more than one form of anxiety.

Types of Anxiety

General Anxiety Disorder

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is persistent and excessive anxiety over everyday events/routines. This includes finances, family, relationships, routines, work, and health. GAD may also co-occur with Depression, OCD, and PTSD.

General Anxiety Symptoms

Difficulty controlling worry (intensity or frequency)
Decreased ability to concentrate
Avoidance or Procrastination of approaching situations or people that elicit anxiety
Overly high expectations for oneself or others (perfectionism)
Restlessness
Sleep difficulties
Physiological symptoms persist after medical conditions have been ruled out (headaches, digestive upset, fatigue, muscle tension, chest pain, breathing difficulty, weight changes)

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is when individuals are persistently fearful of being judged or watched by others in social situations. Their fear can be so intense that they may struggle with school, work, or daily tasks such as grocery shopping.

Social Anxiety Symptoms

Stomachaches
Sweating, trembling, or blushing
Stiff body posture
Feeling self-conscious and fearful that people will judge them
Being closed off in conversation
Fear about upcoming social situations
Pounding or racing heart

Phobia Disorders

Phobia disorders are intense fears of being exposed to specific objects or situations with a strong desire to avoid them. Some examples are Acrophobia (fear of heights), Aerophobia (fear of flying), and Trypanophobia (fear of injections).

Phobia Symptoms

Lack of ability to manage fear reactions
Feelings of anxiety, panic, or dread
Elevated Heart Rate
Intense or irrational phobia of specific triggers
Difficulty breathing
Avoidance tendencies

Diagnosis & Treatments for Anxiety

How is anxiety diagnosed?

Most people receive a diagnosis of anxiety from a primary care or mental health provider through a series of questions and answers. If you have anxiety in the context of other health concerns or acute stressors, a psychologist can use formal, objective assessments to assess the existence of anxiety beyond the situation, including the severity and subtype of anxiety.

How is anxiety treated?

Psychologists can provide various therapy services such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, and Interpersonal Therapy. Your doctor will work with you to see which treatment is the best for you.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This therapy focuses on helping individuals recognize unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT involves techniques where unhelpful thought patterns are replaced with more balanced ones. This therapy has been well-studied and is often the gold standard by most professionals.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

This therapy focuses on promoting psychological flexibility and overall well-being. It acknowledges that suffering is a normal part of life and helps individuals accept difficult thoughts instead of trying to control or avoid them. ACT focuses on being mindful and goal-setting to match your values.

Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)

This therapy helps individuals approach anxiety-provoking situations without avoidance. The goal is to help individuals gain the confidence and skills necessary to confront their anxieties.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

This therapy focuses on improving relationships and social functioning to alleviate emotional distress and mental health issues. IPT explores communication patterns, role expectations, and conflict resolution skills. This is particularly helpful for individuals who might struggle with assertiveness. Individual and group therapies are available.

Additional Help for Anxiety

In addition to professional help, individuals with anxiety may benefit from:

Regular, sufficient sleep
Regular exercise
Good nutrition
Regular social connection with others
Using compassionate self-talk
Setting realistic, attainable goals
Breathing exercises or meditation

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Anxiety Resources

Anxiety Overview (NHS)

About Anxiety (Medline Plus)

Anxiety Disorders (Mayo Clinic)

Help for Anxiety (APA)

Additional Anxiety Treatments (NIMH)