“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.
It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense,
and have a rapid heartbeat”.1

Umbrella

What may the Anxiety Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety

What is anxiety?

DotS the definition of anxiety may vary. In Anxiety the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Anxiety is a common condition. It’s a normal human reaction to stressful situations. Anxiety can make you feel nervous, worried, panicky and fearful”.2

In Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? the (United States) MedlinePlus’ definition is:

“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. It can help you to cope. The anxiety may give you a boost of energy or help you focus. But for people with anxiety disorders, the fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming”.3

Anxiety Disorder

What is an anxiety disorder?

DotS the definition of anxiety disorder may vary. In Anxiety Disorders: What Is Anxiety? the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) definition is:

“Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships”.4

Types

What are some common anxiety disorders?

In Anxiety: What Is An Anxiety Disorder the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Foundation (MHF) explain:

“Some common anxiety disorders include:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder…
  • Panic Disorder…
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)…
  • Social Anxiety Disorder…
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)…
  • Phobias…”.5

Signs and Symptoms

What are signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder?

In Anxiety Signs and Symptoms: What Does An Anxiety Condition Feel Like? (Australian) Beyondblue explain:


Anxiety“There are several different anxiety conditions and each has its own unique symptoms”.6

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

DotS the definition of GAD may vary. In Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety? Generalized Anxiety Disorder the NIMH elaborate on:

“Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can interfere with daily life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years”.7

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s (ADAA) definition is:

“Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry. They may worry more than seems warranted about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern”.8

The ADAA also explain:

“GAD is diagnosed when a person finds it difficult to control worry on more days than not for at least six months and has three or more symptoms. This differentiates GAD from worry that may be specific to a set stressor or for a more limited period of time”.9

GAD Causes

What causes GAD?

According to the ADAA:

“Although the exact cause of GAD is unknown, there is evidence that biological factors, family background, and life experiences, particularly stressful ones, play a role”.10

GAD Symptoms

What are the symptoms of GAD?

In Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety? Generalized Anxiety Disorder the NIMH explain:

“Symptoms of GAD include:

  • Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
  • Being easily fatigued
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Being irritable
  • Having headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or unexplained pain
  • Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
  • Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep”.11

GAD+

Is there an association between GAD, other anxiety disorders and depression?

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Treatment – Treatment Information the ADAA explain:

“Other anxiety disorders, depression, or substance abuse often accompany GAD, which rarely occurs alone; co-occurring conditions must also be treated with appropriate therapies”.12

GAD Common or Not

How common is GAD?

In the United States (U.S.) according to the ADAA:

“GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year. Women are twice as likely to be affected. The disorder comes on gradually and can begin across the life cycle, though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age”.13

In the United Kingdom (UK) according to the (United Kingdom) NHS in Overview – Generalised Anxiety Disorder In Adults – Who’s Affected?:

“GAD is a common condition.

More women are affected than men, and the condition is more common in people from the ages of 35 to 55”.14

Anxiety Management Strategies

What are some anxiety management strategies?

In Anxiety Management Strategies Beyondblue elaborate on each of these:

  • “Slow breathing…
  • Progressive muscle relaxation…
  • Stay in the present moment…
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle…
  • Small acts of bravery…
  • Challenge your self-talk…
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Plan worry time…
  • Get to know your anxiety…”.15

Anxiety Treatments

What are treatments for anxiety?

In Treatments for Anxiety Beyondblue elaborate on:

“There’s a wide range of evidence-based psychological and medical treatments for anxiety conditions. Some treatments work better for certain types of anxiety conditions.

You can work with your mental health professional to find the most effective treatments for you. You might need to try a few different ones before you find one or more which work for you”.16

Online Programs and Apps

Are anxiety online programs and Apps are available?

Depending on your Country, anxiety online programs and Apps may be available.

Your health care provider may know of your Country’s recommended anxiety online programs and Apps.

In Managing Anxiety: Online Programs and Apps the JH note:

“If you’re looking for information online, it is best to use websites, apps, and blogs from well-respected sources such as those with government backing or from an organisation with experts who understand anxiety”.17

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have anxiety or an anxiety disorder?

If you think you have anxiety or an anxiety disorder, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Managing Anxiety the JH explain:

“Remember, anxiety is a very common condition and there are lots of things you can do to get help.

What works for each of us will be different. You may need to try a few different approaches before you find one that helps you. Your health professional can also help you find the best approach”.18

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Anxiety?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Anxiety?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? Last Updated: 17 October 2023. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 08 June 2024
  2. Anxiety. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/anxiety Accessed: 08 June 2024
  3. Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? Last Updated: 17 October 2023. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 08 June 2024
  4. Anxiety Disorders: What Is Anxiety? Last Reviewed: April 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders Accessed: 08 June 2024
  5. Anxiety: What Is An Anxiety Disorder. Last Updated: 21 February 2022. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/a/anxiety Accessed: 08 June 2024
  6. Anxiety Signs and Symptoms: What Does An Anxiety Condition Feel Like? Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 08 June 2024
  7. Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety? Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Last Reviewed: April 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders Accessed: 08 June 2024
  8. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 08 June 2024
  9. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 08 June 2024
  10. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 08 June 2024
  11. Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety – Generalized Anxiety Disorders. Last Reviewed: April 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders Accessed: 08 June 2023
  12. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Treatment – Treatment Information. This Page Was Updated: 11 November 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/treatment Accessed: 08 June 2024
  13. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 08 June 2024
  14. Overview – Generalised Anxiety Disorder In Adults – Who’s Affected? Page Last Reviewed: 05 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/overview/ Accessed: 08 June 2024
  15. Anxiety Management Strategies. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies Accessed: 08 June 2024
  16. Treatments for Anxiety. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety Accessed: 08 June 2024
  17. Managing Anxiety: Online Programs and Apps. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety#practical-places-to-start Accessed: 08 June 2024
  18. Managing Anxiety. Last Updated: 04 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety Accessed: 08 June 2024
Topic Last Updated: 11 September 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 08 June 2024