Anxiety is not uncommon and occasional anxiety is an expected part of life.

You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, or before making an important decision, however anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. There is not always a clear boundary between normal anxiety and a disorder that requires treatment. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. When anxiety substantially impairs work, family or social adjustment, treatment may be worthwhile. Symptoms of anxiety can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. Seeking treatment can help manage the symptoms and keep them from becoming chronic.

Some common types of anxiety disorders include:

How are anxiety disorders treated?

Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders usually involves components of cognitive behavioral treatment to help manage thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the anxiety. Different medications and psychotherapies have been shown to be most effective for specific types of anxiety disorders, so getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial.