What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a common human emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Nearly everyone experiences anxiety at some point.
However, for some people, anxiety can be excessive, out of proportion to the present situation and can interfere with daily life. This type of anxiety can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses affecting the US population. Nearly 1 in 5 American adults and 1 in 8 children suffer from one of the recognized anxiety disorders. These include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Excessive worrying about everyday life
- Social anxiety disorder: Extreme fear around social situations
- Panic attacks: Sudden periods of intense fear called panic attacks
- Phobias: Irrational fear over specific things or situations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Anxiety after a traumatic event
What causes anxiety? Experts don’t know the exact causes. Likely, it’s a complex mix of biology, environment and life experiences.
- Biological factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Also, some inherit a tendency to anxiety through genetics.
- Environmental factors: Stressful situations like work, family pressures or traumatic events can trigger anxiety disorders.
- Thinking patterns: Negative thought patterns, worrying and pessimism can fuel anxiety.