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Mind & Mood
How to identify anxiety disorders
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
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."
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
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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.
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Anxiety and Stress Disorders
Everyone worries or gets scared sometimes. But if you feel extremely worried or afraid much of the time, or if you repeatedly feel panicky, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses, affecting roughly 40 million American adults each year. This Special Health Report, Anxiety and Stress Disorders, discusses the latest and most effective treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapies, psychotherapy, and medications. A special section delves into alternative treatments for anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation, and biofeedback.
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