Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. While everyone experiences anxiety at times, these disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life.

Common Anxiety Disorders

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

    Excessive worry most days for 6+ months about various aspects of life (work, health, relationships) plus 3+ symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance.

  • Panic Disorder

    Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by 1+ month of worry about having more attacks or behavior changes to avoid them.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder

    Intense fear of social or performance situations where embarrassment or judgment is possible. Lasts 6+ months and interferes with daily functioning.

  • Specific phobias

    Marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, needles) that is avoided or endured with distress. Lasts 6+ months.

  • Agoraphobia

    Fear of 2+ situations where escape may be difficult (e.g., public transport, crowds). Person avoids these situations or needs a companion.

  • Separation Anxiety Disorder

    Excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures. In adults, symptoms must persist 6+ months.

Common medications used to treat anxiety disorders.

  • Common medications in this category include Sertraline (zoloft), escitalopram (lexapro), fluoxetine (prozac).

  • Common medications in this class include duloxetine (cymbalta), venlafaxine (effexor), and desvenlafaxine (pristiq).

  • FDA approved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

  • Commonly used for panic disorder and/or performance anxiety.

  • Often used for short term breakthrough anxiety.

  • Common medications in this class include lorazepam (ativan), clonazepam (klonopin), alprazolam (xanax). These are not recommended for long term use.