What are the different types of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety can take several forms:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Persistent, difficult-to-control worry about multiple areas of life, such as health, finances, work, or family.

• Panic disorder: Repeated, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by ongoing concern about another attack or changes in behavior to avoid one.

• Social anxiety disorder: Significant fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations.

• Specific phobias: Intense fear of a particular object or situation, such as needles, flying, or certain animals, that leads to distress or avoidance.

• Agoraphobia: Fear of situations where leaving or getting help might feel difficult if panic-like or other incapacitating symptoms occur.

• Separation anxiety disorder: Excessive fear or distress related to being apart from important attachment figures. This can affect adults as well as children.

• Selective mutism: Difficulty speaking in certain social settings despite speaking in others, most commonly beginning in childhood.

Anxiety symptoms can also be related to medications, substances, or medical conditions. Understanding the source of your symptoms helps guide appropriate care.

What are the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

GAD involves excessive worry about several areas of life that feels difficult to control. In adults, it may include:

• Feeling restless, keyed up, or on edge

• Becoming tired easily

• Trouble concentrating or feeling that your mind goes blank

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep

For a GAD diagnosis, worry generally occurs more days than not for at least six months, with at least three of these symptoms, significant distress or impairment, and consideration of other possible causes. You can seek help before six months have passed.

How is anxiety treated?

Treatment heavily depends on the symptoms you are experiencing, treatments you may have already tried, and other lifestyle and environmental factors. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of approaches.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-studied treatment that helps people work with patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain anxiety. Depending on the type of anxiety, therapy may also include gradually approaching feared situations with professional guidance.

Sleep routines, physical activity, and reviewing caffeine or alcohol use may provide additional support. Your plan can include coordination with your existing therapist or discussion of an appropriate referral.

When might medication be helpful for anxiety?

Medication may be worth considering when:

• Anxiety significantly affects daily functioning, including sleep, work, relationships, or responsibilities.

• Symptoms remain distressing despite other support, such as therapy or structured self-help.

• You prefer medication after discussing its potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.

You do not have to “fail” therapy before discussing medication. Depending on your symptoms and preferences, medication may be an initial treatment option or part of a combined approach.

What medications are used for anxiety?

For GAD, commonly used options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and buspirone. Although SSRIs and SNRIs are often called antidepressants, they can also treat anxiety.

These medications generally take several weeks to start working. We discuss expected benefits, side effects, and follow-up before starting treatment.

Benzodiazepines are generally reserved for limited, short-term situations because of risks such as dependence and withdrawal. Medication recommendations depend on your diagnosis, health history, and individual circumstances and are best discussed directly with your psychiatric provider.