Overview of Anxiety

• When people worry so much that it is not helpful, or causes other problems in their lives, they may have an “anxiety disorder.”

• People with anxiety can experience it in many different ways:

  • Some may worry about a lot of different things, and this may make it hard to focus on what they are doing, or to go to sleep at night. This is called “generalized anxiety.”

  • Some kids with anxiety are scared to leave the grown-ups who take care of them, because they think something bad might happen. This is called “separation anxiety.”

  • Some people may feel very scared all of a sudden, and not know why. Sometimes, they are so scared that it is hard to breathe. These episodes are called “panic attacks.”

  • Some people may be very afraid of one particular thing, even if it is not dangerous. This is called “specific phobia.”

  • Some people may be afraid to talk to other people, because they worry that they might look silly or not know what to say. This is called “social anxiety disorder.”

• In some people, especially kids, anxiety can cause physical symptoms, like stomach aches and headaches, that can make it hard to go to school.

• Treatment can help people learn skills to manage their anxiety, so they can still do all the things they want to do, and may help the anxiety become less strong in general.

More Information on Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point throughout their lives. The term “anxiety” can refer to a number of different feelings, such as fear, worry, nervousness, stress, apprehension, etc.; almost everyone can identify a time when they felt anxious. A certain amount of anxiety can be helpful-- for instance, if a person feels a little bit anxious before a test, they may be motivated to study more. However, if anxiety becomes too strong or lasts for too long, it is no longer helpful, and can make it difficult for someone to do the things that they want to do in life. In these cases, a person is described as having an “anxiety disorder.”

The DSM* identifies multiple different anxiety disorders, and the specific criteria for each will be discussed elsewhere. However, the disorders are all connected by the common theme of excessive worry or fear, which interferes with an individual’s ability to do the things they want and need to do. 

Some people find that they worry excessively about a wide range of topics; they may be suffering from “Generalized Anxiety Disorder.” This frequent worry can make it difficult to focus during the day, and difficult to sleep at night. Some people may find that they are especially afraid of one particular thing, and being near this thing can cause them to have an intense physical and psychological reaction known as a “panic attack,” during which they feel extremely afraid, and may even feel as though they are suffocating or dying. This disorder is referred to as “Specific Phobia;” fears of elevators, heights, spiders, and clowns are common phobias. Some individuals become extremely anxious during social interactions, often due to fear of being judged or ridiculed, and being forced to interact with strangers or speak publicly may even trigger a panic attack. These people likely suffer from “Social Anxiety Disorder,” also known as “Social Phobia.” For others, panic attacks occur without any clear trigger. When panic attacks occur frequently, these individuals may be diagnosed with “Panic Disorder.” Additionally, some children find that they become very afraid when separated from the people who care for them; these children may be struggling with “Separation Anxiety Disorder.”

Children dealing with anxiety disorders may not be able to verbalize that they feel anxious or worried; they may not even be aware of it themselves. Frequently, children experience anxiety in physical ways, and may complain of headaches, upset stomach, fatigue, or other physical symptoms. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor to determine whether the cause is physical or emotional.

It is critical to identify and seek treatment for childrens’ anxiety early, so that the anxiety does not interfere with their ability to perform the important developmental tasks of childhood, such as forming peer relationships and obtaining an education. For adults as well, treatment can make a major difference in a person’s ability to enjoy life and achieve their goals. Treatment for anxiety disorders is often extremely effective, both for children and adults, when delivered by a skilled provider. 

***If you or someone you know is having thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  This content  is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.***

For more information and resources, please consider visiting:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders

*Information related to specific diagnostic criteria is based on the DSM. For a complete, formal description of diagnostic criteria, please consult the original text:

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.