Overview of Anxiety Disorders

You're anxious a lot of the time even when you aren't having problems or the problems aren't bad

The anxiety is so severe it interferes with your life

In addition to being anxious, you may feel short of breath, dizzy, and sweaty and have a fast heartbeat

Some medical problems can cause anxiety (for example, heart disease, lung problems, or an overactive thyroid gland)

Many medicines and drugs can cause or worsen anxiety (for example, amphetamines, caffeine, cocaine, and corticosteroids)

People with anxiety are more likely than other people to have depression Depression Depression is feeling too sad or sluggish to do your daily tasks or take part in activities you usually enjoy. It’s normal to feel sad after something sad happens, such as a death or loss—depression... read more

Doctors treat anxiety disorders with medicine and therapy

Family history of anxiety (it runs in families)

Stressful life event, such as a natural disaster or relationship breakup

Certain health problems, such as asthma Asthma Asthma is a condition in which the breathing passages (airways) in your lungs get narrow. When the airways are narrow, it's hard to breathe. Breathing often makes a squeaky sound called wheezing... read more

Using certain substances, such as alcohol Alcohol Use Alcohol (ethanol) is a depressant (it slows down brain and nervous system functioning). Consuming large amounts rapidly or regularly can cause health problems, including organ damage, coma,... read more

Worry, fear, or panic

Trouble breathing, dizziness, and fast heart rate

Is distressing

Interferes with your ability to do daily tasks and activities

Has lasted a long time or keeps coming back

Therapy

Medicine, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)