Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnxiety and Anxiety Disorder SymptomsWhat Is Anxiety?Anxiety SymptomsTypes of Anxiety DisordersAnxiety Disorder SymptomsOther Anxiety DisordersComplications of Anxiety and Anxiety DisordersWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety Symptoms
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Other Anxiety Disorders
Complications of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Anxiety is your body’s response to anticipated danger. It is typically associated with worry or fear. Anxiety can come with cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and physical symptoms like nausea, shaking, and muscle tenseness. While anxiety can be a normal response to certain situations, it can also be part of an anxiety disorder.
There are different types of anxiety disorders. While some symptoms are similar, there are also some key differences.
This article will cover anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorder symptoms, how the conditions are diagnosed, and the complications of anxiety disorders.
If you fear having a panic attack, avoid people because you have social anxiety, or feel constant worry and agitation, you may feel like youranxiety symptomscontrol your life.
Understanding the different types of anxiety and when anxiety can be a sign of a mental health disorder can help you get the support you need to manage your symptoms.
Anxiety is described in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5) as anticipation of a future threat.Everyone feels anxious at times, but not everyone has an anxiety disorder.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and others. These conditions are not the same as day-to-day worry. For example, it can be normal to get anxious about important events, like a job interview, a performance, a first date, a big exam, childbirth, or other important life moments. However, if worrying gets out of control, it can become an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions. People with anxiety disorders have excessive fear, anxiety, and related behavioral and physical changes that may worsen over time.These conditions can have both physical and mental symptoms and negatively affect a person’s ability to function at school or work, as well as their hobbies and relationships.
The symptoms of anxiety can be physical, psychological, and social. The anxiety symptoms you have will depend on your circumstances, the type of anxiety you have, and your triggers.
The mental symptoms of anxiety can include:
Physical symptoms of anxiety can include:
Occasional anxiety symptoms are not as intense or long-lasting as symptoms of an anxiety disorder. For example, you may have anxiety because you’re worried about a big meeting at work, but your symptoms go away once the day is over.However, someone with an anxiety disorder may have multiple fears and worries that cause them distress in their daily lives and don’t get better with time.
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Varioustypes of anxiety disordersinclude the following:
Obsessive-compulsive disorderandpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(a type of trauma and stressor-related disorder) were formerly classified as anxiety disorders but now have different classifications. Each involves symptoms that include anxiety.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
List of Documented Psychological Disorders
Each type of anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms and diagnostic criteria that are based on the guidelines of the DSM-5.
This is not an exhaustive list, but these are some common symptoms of anxiety disorders:
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There are several other mental health disorders classified as anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience excessive and persistent worry, fear, and anxiety that is hard to control and disproportionate to the situation.GAD can be diagnosed when these symptoms occur for the majority of days over at least six months.
Symptoms of GAD include:
Adults must experience a minimum of three of the above symptoms, in addition to anxiety or worry, to be diagnosed with GAD. Children only need one of the above symptoms, in addition to anxiety or worry, for a diagnosis.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:
People can experience general social anxiety disorder or performance-specific social anxiety disorder (such as when speaking or performing in front of an audience).
Social anxiety disorder can look different in children. For kids, anxiety must occur when they are in peer situations, not just when they are around adults. Tantrums, freezing, crying, clinging, and refusal to speak can all be signs of social anxiety in children.
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves recurring, unwantedthoughtsthat lead to specific and repeatable actions, which interfere with daily life.OCD is no longer classed as an anxiety disorder in DSM-5, but its symptoms cause anxiety. For that reason, professionals associate OCD with anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder include:
A person with OCD spends at least one hour a day on their obsessions and compulsions, which cause them significant distress or impairment in their daily lives.
OCD typically starts in childhood or young adulthood. Symptoms may start earlier in boys than girls.
Panic Disorder
Other symptoms of a panic attack include:
What Is an Anxiety Attack?An “anxiety attack” is not an official medical term but is often used to describe apanic attack.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
An “anxiety attack” is not an official medical term but is often used to describe apanic attack.
Panic attacks alone are not enough to make a mental health diagnosis. While they are the primary symptom of panic disorder, panic attacks can happen in any anxiety disorder as well as in other mental health conditions.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms of PTSD include:
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There are other anxiety disorders with unique symptoms and diagnostic profiles included in the DSM-5, including:
Anxiety that’s not managed and anxiety disorders that go untreated can lead to complications. The effects that anxiety can have on someone’s life can be severe. Here are just a few examples of the complications of anxiety:
If not treated, anxiety symptoms can change or get worse over time.
People may avoid situations that were previously meaningful or joyful because they fear anxiety, which can lead to social isolation. While they might think they are avoiding triggers for anxiety, being alone and disconnected from others can make anxiety harder to cope with.
People who have an anxiety disorder also may develop depression, substance use disorder, and digestive health conditions such asirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Worry is a normal part of life, but if your worry becomes ongoing and disproportionate to the situation, reach out to a healthcare provider.
People with anxiety disorders feel so much fear and anxiety that makes it harder for them to get through their daily lives. For example, they may fear going out in public, find themselves unable to return phone calls, avoid meeting with friends, cancel performances or presentations, and have chronic symptoms like nausea and changes in sleep.
If you feel that your anxiety is preventing you from living a full life, know that there is help. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Summary
Living with anxiety can be challenging, whether your symptoms are from general anxiety or a specific anxiety disorder like separation anxiety, social anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Panic attacks can also be exhausting for people with anxiety.
While it’s normal to worry from time to time, especially if you’re dealing with something stressful, persistent worrying that is interfering with every aspect of your life could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. It’s important to reach out for help and support so you can learn how to manage anxiety symptoms effectively and reduce the impact they have on your life.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Washington D.C.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.MedlinePlus.Anxiety.SAMHSA.Anxiety disorders.CDC.Anxiety.APA.Anxiety.APA.What are anxiety disorders?.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder: when unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over.National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD basics.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD for children 6 years and younger.Additional ReadingNational Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Washington D.C.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.MedlinePlus.Anxiety.SAMHSA.Anxiety disorders.CDC.Anxiety.APA.Anxiety.APA.What are anxiety disorders?.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder: when unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over.National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD basics.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD for children 6 years and younger.Additional ReadingNational Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Washington D.C.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.MedlinePlus.Anxiety.SAMHSA.Anxiety disorders.CDC.Anxiety.APA.Anxiety.APA.What are anxiety disorders?.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder: when unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over.National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD basics.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD for children 6 years and younger.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Washington D.C.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
MedlinePlus.Anxiety.
SAMHSA.Anxiety disorders.
CDC.Anxiety.
APA.Anxiety.
APA.What are anxiety disorders?.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder: when unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over.
National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD basics.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.PTSD for children 6 years and younger.
National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
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