What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships.
What are the signs of Anxiety Disorder?
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) display excessive anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months, about a number of things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances. The fear and anxiety can cause significant problems in areas of their life, such as social interactions, school, and work. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include: feeling restless, having difficulty concentrating or controlling feelings of worry, being irritable or having sleep problems.
What are Panic Attacks?
People with panic disorder have recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that come on quickly and reach their peak within minutes. Attacks can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by a trigger, such as a feared object or situation.1
References
1NIMH: Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders