Everyone feels anxious at some point in their lives. However, a true
anxiety disorder may be involved when the feeling is overwhelming and affects a person's daily life.
At this point, scientists aren't quite sure why some people get
anxiety disorders. Different people exposed to the same situation can react in very different ways. This difference may be due to the genes a person has inherited, a person's environment, or a combination of both.
- Feeling shaky, jittery, or nervous
- Feeling tense, fearful, or apprehensive
- Avoiding certain places or activities because of fear.
Because extreme symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it's a good idea to see your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if you believe you may have an anxiety disorder.
(For more in-depth information, click Anxiety. Topics discussed in this article include who is most likely to develop an anxiety disorder, how many Americans have one, and how these mental illnesses are treated.)