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Anxiety

June 10, 2024

Reviewed by Stephanie Collier, MD, MPH, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Worried that you worry too much? Everyone worries or gets scared sometimes. But feeling extremely worried or afraid much of the time, or repeatedly feel panicky, may be signs of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations like taking a test or giving a presentation. Anxiety can be beneficial, as it helps increase your focus and keeps you alert for danger when the situation warrants it. However, when feelings of fear or distress become overwhelming, their intensity is out of proportion to the situation, or they interfere with daily activities, it could indicate an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is not a single condition but a spectrum of related disorders. While different anxiety disorders have distinct characteristics, they also share some common symptoms. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families.

Psychological therapy, medications, and self-help strategies can help manage anxiety disorders.

Woman stares into the distance in a moment of anxiety while on the couch alone.

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