Updated on July 9, 2026
Anxiety keeps us on our toes, triggering a fight-or-flight response to protect us from danger. However, when worry and fear become excessive, constant, or inappropriate, they can interfere with daily life. This is when regular anxiety can become an anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders. People who have them often experience a mix of these symptoms:
- Constant, often unrealistic worry
- Physical signs like a racing heart, sweating, tremors, dizziness, or digestive issues
- Feelings of restlessness or suffocation
- Trouble concentrating or paying attention
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty handling daily tasks and responsibilities
Sometimes, these symptoms are tied to a specific trigger, such as a phobia (like insects or flying), separation from a loved one, or public speaking.
Note: Because conditions like thyroid dysfunction or heart disease can cause similar physical symptoms, doctors usually run basic health tests before diagnosing an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety and Clinical Depression
It is common for people with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from clinical depression. In these cases, an individual might also experience:
- Persistent sadness
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Slower movements and thoughts
How Anxiety Disorders Are Treated
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Doctors and therapists typically use medication, psychotherapy (like talk therapy), or a combination of both.
If you are struggling with these symptoms, reaching out for professional help can help manage your worries and regain control of your life.
References:
Katzman MA, Bleau P, Blier P, et al. Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S1. Available under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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