Mind & Mood
How to identify anxiety disorders
It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time. But many older men quietly suffer from anxiety that interferes with daily life.
Everyone experiences anxiety symptoms — a thumping heart, rapid breathing, and feelings of apprehension and fear — from time to time. You might have felt anxious before an important event, a major medical procedure, or a social situation.
Some degree of anxiety is normal and signals that something is awry or needs our focused attention. "However, you don’t want this response to become exaggerated or to dominate your life," says Dr. Stephanie Collier, director of education for the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital. "If you often feel anxious without an apparent cause, you may have an anxiety disorder."
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
