Anxiety

What is it?

Anxiety is both a normal emotion and a clinical symptom. As a symptom, it spans a spectrum — from appropriate stress responses to pathological states that impair daily functioning. Physical symptoms of anxiety are driven by autonomic nervous system activation: increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, sweating, and gastrointestinal distress. Persistent anxiety disproportionate to circumstances, lasting weeks or months, often meets criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. These are highly treatable conditions.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Anxiety interferes with work, school, relationships, or daily activities
• 2You experience panic attacks — sudden intense fear with physical symptoms
• 3You are using alcohol, drugs, or medication to manage anxiety
• 4Anxiety accompanies depression, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm
• 5Physical symptoms (palpitations, chest pain) that have not been medically evaluated
• 6Anxiety that has persisted for more than 6 months

What you can do

• ✓Practice diaphragmatic breathing: slow 4-count inhale, 6-count exhale to activate the parasympathetic system
• ✓Regular aerobic exercise (3–5 times per week) is as effective as medication for mild-moderate anxiety
• ✓Limit caffeine — a major anxiety amplifier often overlooked
• ✓Try progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
• ✓Maintain a regular sleep schedule — sleep deprivation dramatically worsens anxiety
• ✓Avoid avoidance: gradually facing feared situations reduces anxiety better than avoiding them

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions