What is an anxiety disorder?

Most people know what it’s like to feel anxious. In fact, anxiety is a normal human reaction to stressful situations. But there’s a difference between situational anxiety and having a mental health condition like an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety disorders can cause excessive and persistent fears about everyday situations. When left unmanaged, they can affect your relationships, performance at work or school, and mental and physical well-being. The good news is that learning to recognize the signs of anxiety disorders is the first step in connecting with the right services to help you feel your best. 

Five types of anxiety disorders

Anxiety affects people in different ways. Some people experience severe anxiety that greatly affects their daily lives. Those with high-functioning anxiety, however, may be more able to go about their daily business. Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, seeking treatment for any form of anxiety can provide valuable tools to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Here’s an overview of some of the most common anxiety disorders. 

1. Generalized anxiety disorder 

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes excessive and persistent worrying. When left untreated, it can leave people feeling anxious for no apparent reason. National data suggests that GAD affects nearly 6% of U.S. adults, according to lifetime prevalence rates.

2. Panic disorder 

Panic disorder causes frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Some people describe panic attacks as sudden waves of fear and distress or feeling like you’re losing control. Similar to GAD, panic disorder is considered common in the U.S. and has the potential to negatively impact a person’s quality of life without proper treatment. 

3. Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder, sometimes referred to as social phobia, involves an intense fear of social situations and public interactions. People with social anxiety have a persistent and overwhelming fear of being judged, scrutinized, or embarrassed in public. Although it’s sometimes mistaken for shyness, social anxiety disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition that can affect your relationships, career, and ability to complete daily tasks. 

4. Specific phobias

A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation. With specific phobias, a person may go to extreme lengths to avoid their fear, even when there’s no real threat. Approximately 12.5% of U.S. adults experience a specific phobia during their lives, with common phobias including a fear of flying, driving, heights, or spiders. 

5. Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes an intense fear of being in places where it might be hard to escape. For people with this condition, the idea of being in a crowded space or traveling in a car, bus, or airplane can cause extreme anxiety. 

Signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder

Anxiety affects people in different ways. For example, someone with social anxiety disorder may feel self-conscious or awkward in front of other people, while having a specific phobia may cause you to go out of your way to avoid exposure to an irrational fear. 

That said, some of the most common physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety include: 

• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Tingling or trembling
• Restlessness
• Chronic fatigue
• Trouble concentrating on tasks
• Irritability
• Stomach or digestive issues
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Disinterest in social situations or activities 
• Uncontrollable worries
• A pervasive sense of dread about the future

Who’s at risk of an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions in the U.S., affecting approximately 40 million adults each year. Anyone can develop an anxiety disorder, but it’s thought to be more common among women and people younger than 65. 

Experts are still researching the exact reason people develop anxiety, but it’s likely caused by a combination of genetics, environmental influences, traumatic experiences, and daily habits.

How to treat anxiety disorders

If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, the first step is to meet with a mental health professional for an evaluation. Therapists, psychiatrists, and other qualified providers will use screening tools to assess the frequency and severity of your anxiety symptoms. From there, they can create a personalized treatment plan that reflects your unique symptoms, circumstances, and any co-occurring conditions.

Some of the most common treatment options for coping with anxiety disorders include:

Talk therapy

For most people with anxiety, talk therapy is essential to learning how to identify and manage their symptoms. Some of the most effective therapy approaches for anxiety disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and exposure therapy.

Medication management

There are several types of medications that can help people manage symptoms of anxiety and co-occurring conditions. If you think you might benefit from adding medication to your treatment plan, it’s best to speak with a psychiatric provider about your options.

Lifestyle changes

In addition to talk therapy and medication, making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your overall well-being. For example, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and making time for regular physical activity have been shown to help people better manage their anxiety.

Find care with Rula

Anxiety disorders can be extremely distressing, but they’re also highly treatable. If you or someone you know is showing signs of an anxiety disorder, it’s important to remember that help is available and recovery is possible. Reaching out for support can help people access effective treatment options that empower them to regain control of their lives and improve their overall well-being.

With Rula, you can access affordable, individualized mental healthcare via convenient virtual appointments. Our therapist-matching program is designed to make it easier for you to find the anxiety support you need from a provider who takes your insurance. Plus, our team is available to answer any questions that come up along the way.

Find a therapist with Rula