Anxiety disorders
An anxiety disorder is diagnosed when someone feels anxious all or a lot of the time for no logical reason. They are some of the most common mental health problems, affecting 16% of people.
The information on this page is taken from our Anxiety disorders factsheet (268 kb) ![[pdf]](http://www.rethink.org/display_images/document_icons/pdf.gif)
What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety, worry and fear are feelings that everyone experiences now and again. They can be useful emotions, helping us to be aware of risks and respond to challenging or dangerous situations. They prepare the body to take action to protect itself (the so-called 'fight or flight' response).
An anxiety disorder means that someone experiences anxiety, worry, fear or panic at a greater level than is normal. The anxiety can be caused by specific situations or it can be present constantly.
What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?
The symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Feeling constantly irritable or worried
- Difficulties sleeping
- Difficulties concentrating
- Feelings of dread or impending doom
Feelings of dread and fear can also be experienced as physical symptoms including:
- Heart palpitations (irregular beat)
- Sweating
- Tension and pains
- Heavy and rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach aches and sickness (especially in young children)
Many people feel one or more of these at one time or another, but people with anxiety disorders experience them more frequently and to the extent that they interfere with their lives.
What causes anxiety?
The causes of anxiety are not fully known, but things to do with your family, your body and what has happened to you in the past are all believed to be involved.
