Anxiety Disorder
اضطراب القلق
A condition involving excessive, persistent worry or fear that interferes with daily life, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Effective treatments include psychotherapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy), medication, and lifestyle strategies.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent worry or fear that is hard to control and interferes with daily life. They include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and specific phobias.
Symptoms include constant worry, restlessness, tension, irritability, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and physical signs such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling or breathlessness.
Anxiety disorders are common and treatable. Cognitive behavioural therapy, medicines when needed, and lifestyle strategies help most people. Seek help if anxiety is frequent, intense or limiting your life — and urgently if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
Symptoms
Excessive, hard-to-control worry
About many everyday things, more days than not.
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Muscle tension
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Or the mind going blank.
Sleep problems
Racing heart, sweating, trembling or shortness of breath
Panic attacks
Sudden waves of intense fear with physical symptoms, peaking within minutes.
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- A mix of biological and environmental factors — Brain chemistry, genetics and life experiences all contribute.
- Stress and trauma — Long-term stress, adverse childhood experiences, or traumatic events.
- Medical conditions — Thyroid problems, heart rhythm disorders and others can mimic or worsen anxiety.
- Substances — Caffeine, alcohol, drugs and some medicines can trigger or worsen anxiety.
Risk factors
- Family history of anxiety or depression
- A history of trauma or abuse
- Ongoing stress, such as work or financial pressure
- Other mental-health conditions
- Chronic physical illness
- Excess caffeine, alcohol or substance use
- Shy or behaviourally inhibited temperament in childhood
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor or mental-health professional diagnoses anxiety disorders from a detailed conversation and by ruling out other causes.
Clinical interview
Symptoms, how long they've lasted, triggers and impact on life.
Screening questionnaires
Tools such as GAD-7 help assess severity.
Physical health check
Blood tests and other checks to exclude thyroid disease, medicine effects or other medical causes.
Assessing other conditions
Depression, substance use and other anxiety types often coexist.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of anxiety and on the person, and is decided with your doctor or mental-health professional.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Teaches ways to manage worrying thoughts and to face feared situations gradually.
Medicines
Some antidepressants and other medicines are used for anxiety disorders under medical supervision. Sedatives are generally used only briefly, if at all.
Self-help and lifestyle
Regular exercise, sleep routine, relaxation and breathing techniques, and reducing caffeine and alcohol.
Support groups and guided self-help
Don't stop anxiety medicines suddenly. Discuss any concerns with the prescribing doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Anxiety on most days that is hard to control
- Anxiety interfering with work, study, relationships or sleep
- Avoiding places or activities because of fear
- Using alcohol or other substances to cope
- Repeated panic attacks
Seek urgent care if
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Chest pain, or a panic attack you're unsure is not a heart problem — get checked in an emergency setting
- Severe breathlessness or fainting
Prevention
Stay physically active
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Maintain regular sleep
Learn and practise relaxation and stress-management techniques
Seek help early
Early treatment prevents anxiety from becoming entrenched.
Frequently asked questions
What is an anxiety disorder?
A condition in which anxiety is excessive, persistent and disrupts daily life.
What is the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
Normal anxiety is temporary and related to a real stress. An anxiety disorder is out of proportion, long-lasting and interferes with functioning.
What is a panic attack?
A sudden surge of intense fear with symptoms like a racing heart, breathlessness and dizziness. It is frightening but not dangerous in itself.
Can anxiety be cured?
It can be effectively treated, and many people recover or manage symptoms well with therapy, medicines or both.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes: palpitations, tension, stomach upset, sweating and breathlessness are common, though physical causes should be excluded.
When should I seek help?
If anxiety is frequent, intense, lasting weeks, or affecting your life.
Related specialties
Related conditions
Related articles
Looking for a doctor?
Find a specialist who treats this condition, and compare profiles before you book.
Medical sources
This page summarizes general information from the sources below.