DisclosureWe earn commission on partner links; ranking is set by clinician-vetted methodology — not advertisers.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and they are highly treatable. This page explains what anxiety disorders are, what causes them, how clinicians diagnose them, and the treatment options supported by current evidence. It is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress or perceived danger. Occasional worry before a test, a job interview, or a big decision is normal and even helpful. An anxiety disorder is different: the anxiety is excessive, persists over time, shows up in many situations, can worsen if untreated, and interferes with daily life, work, school, or relationships.
Anxiety disorders are widely described as the most common class of mental disorders in the United States. Drawing on the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 19% of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder in a given year and roughly 31% experience one at some point in their lives. They are more commonly diagnosed in women than in men (past-year prevalence of about 23% in women versus 14% in men).
Anxiety disorders are not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. They involve a mix of biology, brain chemistry, genetics, and life experience.
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is not fully understood. Research points to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Common contributors and risk factors include:
Having risk factors does not guarantee someone will develop an anxiety disorder, and people without obvious risk factors can still be affected.
Symptoms vary by type and person, but commonly include:
In panic disorder, symptoms can come on abruptly and peak within minutes, sometimes feeling like a heart attack. Anyone with chest pain or trouble breathing for the first time should seek urgent medical evaluation to rule out a physical cause.
There is no single lab test for anxiety. A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician — a primary care provider, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other licensed professional — through:
Anxiety disorders are very treatable. Most people improve with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best-studied, often first-line therapy. It helps people identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns; exposure therapy is a CBT technique especially useful for phobias, social anxiety, and panic. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another effective approach.
Medication. SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line medications and may take several weeks to take full effect. Buspirone is another option. Benzodiazepines can relieve acute symptoms quickly but carry risks of dependence and are usually used short-term. A clinician chooses medication based on your diagnosis, other conditions, and side effects.
Lifestyle and self-care. These support, but do not replace, professional treatment: regular physical activity, good sleep habits, mindfulness or relaxation practices, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and social support. Stress-management skills and peer or support groups can also help.
Reach out to a healthcare provider if anxiety is frequent, feels uncontrollable, lasts weeks or longer, or interferes with school, work, relationships, or daily activities — or if you use alcohol or substances to cope. Seek prompt care for new or severe physical symptoms (such as chest pain or trouble breathing) to rule out a medical emergency.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the U.S., or call 911. Help is available, and treatment works.
Several medications are FDA-approved and considered evidence-based for treating anxiety disorders. First-line options are typically antidepressants: SSRIs (such as escitalopram, sertraline, and paroxetine) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine extended-release and duloxetine). Buspirone is an FDA-approved non-sedating anti-anxiety medication that may be used alone or added to an SSRI/SNRI, though it takes one to several weeks to work and is generally not first-line. Benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, and clonazepam) are FDA-approved and can relieve acute anxiety quickly, but because of risks of dependence, tolerance, and sedation they are usually reserved for short-term or limited use. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, often first-line treatment that can be used alone or with medication. There are no FDA-approved over-the-counter supplements proven to treat anxiety disorders; talk with a licensed clinician or psychiatrist about which treatment is right for you, as choice depends on your diagnosis, other health conditions, and side-effect profile.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about diagnosis and treatment. Individual results vary.