Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders — including panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — are emotional states of excessive fear, apprehension, or worry, causing distressing physical symptoms (faintness, chills, chest pains) and interrupting sleep. They can be chronic and change in intensity. It’s the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting nearly 20% of all adults — or 40 million adults within a given year. It affects the very young to the very old—lifetime rates are even higher at 31% of all American adults. Anxiety disorders may occur from medical conditions, such as endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism), respiratory disorders (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cardiovascular disorders (arrhythmia), metabolic disorders (vitamin B12 deficiency), and neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease). All anxiety disorders can be treated with effective, short-term methods. Since DSM-5, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and agoraphobia are now considered as separate, but related conditions.