Everyone feels anxious sometimes, before an exam, a job interview or a hospital result. Anxiety disorder is different: the worry is intense, hard to control and lasts for months, getting in the way of work, relationships and sleep. It is one of the most common mental health conditions, and it is very treatable. Here are the symptoms of anxiety disorder, the main types, and how to get help.
Some of these symptoms, such as chest pain, a racing heart and breathlessness, can also be caused by heart, thyroid or lung problems. See a doctor to rule these out, and get emergency help for sudden chest pain.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): ongoing worry about many different things on most days for at least 6 months.
Panic disorder: repeated, sudden panic attacks, with intense fear, a pounding heart, sweating, shaking and breathlessness, often with fear of the next attack.
Social anxiety disorder: intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, such as speaking in meetings or eating in public.
Phobias: extreme fear of a specific thing or situation, such as heights, flying, needles or enclosed spaces.
Related conditions include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There is usually no single cause. Risk factors include a family history of anxiety, stressful or traumatic life events, long-term stress at work or home, other health conditions, and using alcohol, drugs or too much caffeine.
1. Talking therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments. It helps you understand and change anxious thoughts and behaviours. Therapy can be done in person or online. See how teletherapy works.
2. Medicines. A doctor may prescribe medicines such as certain antidepressants, which also treat anxiety. They take a few weeks to work and shouldn’t be stopped suddenly. Avoid sleeping pills or sedatives without a prescription, as some are addictive.
3. Self-help. These can make a real difference alongside treatment:
See a doctor or mental health professional if anxiety lasts for weeks, keeps coming back, or affects your work, studies, relationships or sleep. Anxiety is a health condition, not a weakness, and asking for help is a strong step.
Get help immediately if you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department, call emergency services, or tell someone you trust right away.
Reliance HMO members can speak to a doctor privately in the Reliance Care app. Download it for iPhone or Android.
What are the first signs of an anxiety disorder?
Constant worry that’s hard to control, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and physical signs such as a racing heart or stomach upset.
Can anxiety disorder be cured?
Many people recover fully or learn to manage their symptoms well with therapy, medicines and self-help.
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is a response to a specific pressure and usually eases when it passes. Anxiety can continue even without a clear trigger.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified health professional.
