Anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition that involves intense and excessive fear or worry that is difficult to control and lasts for a long time if left untreated. Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily activities and impair a persons family, social, and work life. Occasional anxiety is normal, but anxiety disorders are different and cause constant and overwhelming anxiety and fear. Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This involves persistent and excessive worry or dread that can interfere with daily life. People with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years.

• Panic disorder: This involves sudden, intense fear that brings on a panic attack. During a panic attack, a person may break out in a sweat, have chest pain, and have a pounding heartbeat.

• Social anxiety disorder: This is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. People with social anxiety disorder may experience blushing, sweating, or trembling, and the fear may get in the way of going to work, attending school, or doing everyday things.

• Agoraphobia: This is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person fears and often avoids places or situations that might cause them to panic and make them feel trapped, helpless, or embarrassed.

• Specific phobias: These are characterized by major anxiety when a person is exposed to a specific situation or object.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to try to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Job performance, schoolwork, and personal relationships can be affected. Anxiety disorders are treatable with a number of psychotherapeutic treatments, and treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.