Overview
Anxiety is a normal human response to stress, threat, or uncertainty. It can help us prepare, focus, and stay safe.
An anxiety disorder may be present when anxiety is excessive, persistent, difficult to control, or interferes with daily life.
Anxiety disorders are common and treatable.
Common symptoms
Anxiety can affect the body, thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
Physical symptoms may include:
- Racing heart
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Stomach discomfort
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
Thought symptoms may include:
- Excessive worry
- Racing thoughts
- Catastrophic thinking
- Fear of losing control
- Fear something bad will happen
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reassurance seeking
- Overthinking decisions
Behavioural symptoms may include:
- Avoidance
- Procrastination
- Checking
- Reassurance seeking
- Withdrawing from situations
- Difficulty relaxing
- Difficulty making decisions
Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders may include:
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Specific phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Health anxiety
- Anxiety related to trauma or obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Some people experience more than one type.
Panic attacks
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort. Symptoms can include racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, shaking, sweating, nausea, or fear of dying or losing control.
Panic attacks can feel frightening, but they are not usually dangerous. However, new or severe chest pain, fainting, or concerning physical symptoms should be medically assessed.
Causes and contributors
Anxiety can be influenced by:
- Genetics
- Personality traits
- Stress
- Trauma
- Workload
- Relationship difficulties
- Health concerns
- Sleep problems
- Caffeine or stimulant use
- Alcohol or substance use
- Medical conditions such as thyroid problems
- Certain medications
Diagnosis
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed through a clinical assessment. Your psychiatrist may ask about:
- Symptoms
- Triggers
- Avoidance
- Panic attacks
- Sleep
- Mood
- Trauma history
- Substance use
- Medical history
- Impact on work, study, relationships, and daily life
Treatment options
Treatment may include:
- Psychological therapy
- Cognitive behavioural strategies
- Exposure-based strategies where appropriate
- Relaxation and breathing techniques
- Sleep and lifestyle support
- Reducing caffeine, alcohol, or substances where relevant
- Medication where appropriate
- Treatment of co-existing depression, ADHD, trauma, or other conditions
When to seek help
Consider seeking help if anxiety is persistent, distressing, difficult to control, or causing avoidance or impairment.
Seek urgent help if you feel at risk of harming yourself or cannot stay safe.
Important note
This information is general and does not replace medical advice. Anxiety is common, and effective treatment is available.