Anxiety Disorders

Conditions where worry or fear is excessive, hard to control and affects daily life, such as generalised anxiety and panic disorder.

Mental healthLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Constant worry, restlessness, fast heartbeat, breathlessness, sweating, trouble sleeping, poor concentration and panic attacks.

Common Treatments

Talking therapies such as CBT, medicines such as SSRIs, relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes.

Risk Factors

Stress, family history, trauma, other mental health conditions, caffeine and substance use.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Some anxiety is normal, but in an anxiety disorder it's out of proportion and lasts for months.

Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack, with chest tightness and breathlessness. Anxiety disorders are very treatable.

Symptoms

Excessive worry

About many things, hard to control.

Physical symptoms

Fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking.

Panic attacks

Sudden intense fear with breathlessness.

Sleep problems

Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

A combination of genes, brain chemistry, personality and life experiences.

Key Risk Factors

  • Stress and trauma Ongoing stress or past trauma.
  • Family history Anxiety in relatives.
  • Substances Caffeine, alcohol and drug use.

Management & Treatment

01. Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy is very effective.

02. Medicines

SSRIs such as sertraline or escitalopram; short-term other medicines in some cases.

03. Self-help

Exercise, breathing exercises, less caffeine and good sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a panic attack dangerous?
It's frightening but not harmful. If unsure whether it's your heart, seek medical help.
Are sleeping pills a good idea?
Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and are only for short-term use.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.