The Facts
Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions with exaggerated anxiousness and worry about a number of concerns that persists for an extended period of time. They are not the same as the common anxiety that we feel as a result of a situation that we perceive as threatening, such as having to do an oral presentation, having a near-miss with a car, or waiting for the results of a lab test.
Some level of anxiety can be helpful. Anxiety can help people deal with a threatening situation, study harder for an exam, and perform better in sports.
When anxiety becomes persistent and interferes with the ability to cope and disrupts daily life, the person may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are illnesses that may make people feel anxious most of the time without an obvious reason. In addition to persistent, general anxiety, people may also get occasional, intense moments of anxiety that immobilize them.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental disorders. Many people misunderstand these disorders and think they can get over them on their own (i.e., without treatment). This is usually not the case. Fortunately, there are many treatments available today to help.