10 Important Anxiety Facts
Anxiety facts
Feeling anxiety or worry from time to time in response to stressful situations is considered normal feelings. It’s when this feeling is experienced too frequently, in excess, and/or out of proportion to everyday situations that it may qualify as a disorder. In general, most anxiety disorders can be treated, or their symptoms can be managed so the individual can enjoy increased daily functioning and decreased stress. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, the following facts can help you better understand them and decide if it may be time to seek professional support.
Anxiety disorders are common
According to the World Health Organization, it’s estimated that around 4% of the global population will experience an anxiety disorder in some form in their lifetime. In fact, anxiety disorders are thought to be the most common form of mental health disorders today.
That said, although the conditions in this category of mental illnesses are closely related, the way they manifest can vary significantly depending on severity and the individual. That’s why it’s typically important to be evaluated by a mental health professional if you’re experiencing any, so they can recommend a treatment plan that’s tailored to you specifically.
2. Anxiety disorders can take many different forms
“Anxiety disorder” is actually a category that includes several distinct conditions. The most common anxiety disorder is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In general, people with GAD experience excessive, persistent fear and/or worry that disrupts their daily life for at least six months, though diagnostic criteria vary.
Common anxiety disorders can typically be classified by the situations that make them feel anxious or trigger symptoms. For example:
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) symptoms are triggered by social situations, especially those where an individual fears they may feel judged or humiliated. Signs of this disorder usually appear when faced with or thinking of such situations, and they may include blushing, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, the feeling of the mind going blank, strong self-criticism, and avoidance of certain or all social situations.
Panic disorder symptoms are triggered by the experience of a panic attack and may include future panic attacks along with the intense, debilitating fear of having another.
Specific phobia symptoms are triggered by encounters with or even the thought of the object of a person’s phobia, whether it’s heights, dogs, needles, or something else. These symptoms may include sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, a pounding heart or heart palpitations, disassociation, hot flashes, and panic attacks, and avoidance of the object of the specific phobia(s).
It’s also worth noting that other disorders may include significant anxiety as a core symptom even though they’re not officially classified as anxiety disorders per the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Examples include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. There’s a wide range of possible symptoms
Another of the important anxiety facts is that clinical anxiety is more than just feeling nervous or shy from time to time, and the disorders included in this category can manifest in a variety of different ways. Understanding the facts of anxiety symptoms can help you recognize when what you’re experiencing may qualify as a disorder so that you can seek professional evaluation and support.
For example, many people don’t know that trouble sleeping, nightmares, stomachaches, dizziness, self-consciousness, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of losing control could all potentially be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. If you experience these or have other concerns related to anxiety, it’s recommended that you meet with a qualified mental health care provider.
3. Anxiety can co-occur with other disorders
It’s not uncommon for an individual with an anxiety disorder to also experience another “comorbid” or co-occurring disorder at the same time—which may be a different anxiety disorder or another disorder altogether. For example, depression and anxiety are frequently linked. Some estimates suggest that 60% of those with an anxiety disorder will also have symptoms of depression, with the numbers being similar for the reverse.
Other disorders that commonly co-occur with anxiety disorders include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders (formerly known as substance abuse disorders). A person living with anxiety may also develop a compulsive disorder, which can interfere with daily life.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
4. Avoidance doesn’t typically improve symptoms
Symptoms of anxiety disorders can be distressing, frightening, and even debilitating, so it’s not uncommon for people to engage in behaviors to avoid situations that trigger their symptoms altogether. People with agoraphobia, for example, may not leave the house in order to avoid feared situations. Similarly, those with separation anxiety disorder may arrange their lives so they don’t have to be apart from their loved ones for any significant period of time.
While strategies like these can help a person avoid the facts of their symptoms, they can also negatively impact their lives in other ways—particularly their daily functioning, relationships, and professional/academic pursuits. Plus, avoidance can make anxiety worse. That’s why seeking treatment is typically recommended for those experiencing symptoms.
6. Self-medicating can cause additional problems
It’s not uncommon for people to self-medicate in order to cope with symptoms of an anxiety disorder or other mental health challenges. Some may smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, use drugs, or eat food in excess to numb themselves and get relief from symptoms. The relief is temporary, however; strategies like these won’t treat or resolve an anxiety disorder. It can also lead to the development of comorbid conditions such as substance use disorders or eating disorders, both of which can be serious.
7. Anxiety disorders can have a serious impact
Anxiety disorders are common, but that doesn’t mean they’re not serious or potentially harmful. When left unaddressed, they can have a serious negative impact on the following areas of life:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- The ability to manage other health challenges
- Daily functioning
- Social functioning
- Educational attainment
- Work capacity and job performance
- Personal relationships
Finally, it’s important to note this crucial fact about anxiety: Some anxiety disorders may increase a person’s risk of self-harm and/or suicide, especially when they’re comorbid with other mental health conditions.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
8. There isn't one single cause
An exact cause has not been pinpointed for most anxiety disorders or mental health conditions in general. Instead, researchers have uncovered evidence that suggests that a complex interaction of multiple factors may contribute to an individual developing an anxiety disorder. Some of these risk factors may include:
Genetic predisposition. For instance, it’s estimated that approximately one-third of the risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is genetic.
Having certain personality traits. Research suggests that people with naturally “high emotional reactivity (high neuroticism) and introverted tendencies (low extroversion)” are more likely to experience an anxiety disorder.
High-stress or traumatic events. For example, a difficult divorce, breakup, or the experience of abandonment by a close connection can lead an adult to develop separation anxiety disorder.
Substance use. Substance-induced anxiety disorder can affect some individuals, and substance use—especially when it’s excessive—can trigger the onset of other mental health conditions, too.
9. Anxiety is undertreated
Though anxiety disorders can typically be well-managed through therapy, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that only 37% of individuals who are experiencing symptoms seek professional help. Without treatment, it’s known that symptoms are unlikely to resolve on their own and may worsen over time. While the stigma around seeking mental health care is still prevalent for many, it’s important to remember that there’s nothing shameful about it. Anxiety disorders are just that—clinical health disorders—and those experiencing them deserve treatment.
10. There are effective ways to manage symptoms
Most symptoms of anxiety disorders can be significantly reduced through research-backed treatment. Treatment methods vary based on the disorder a person is experiencing, but they commonly include individual and/or group psychotherapy and healthy lifestyle changes—sometimes in combination with medication.
One of the most common types of talk therapy for reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A cognitive behavioral therapist can help an individual learn to recognize thoughts that cause distress and shift them in a more realistic direction. They can also help them learn to develop healthier coping mechanisms, especially if the individual normally turns to tactics like avoidance or self-medication.
People with anxiety disorders who are hesitant to try in-person therapy due to social anxiety symptoms, general nervousness, or stigma may find online therapy to be a more comfortable format. Research suggests that individuals who engaged in online CBT for clinical anxiety disorders experienced a “sustained and clinically meaningful improvement” in symptoms. If you’re interested in trying therapy to reduce anxiety this way, you might consider a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp. You can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from the comfort of home to address the challenges you may be facing.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What causes anxiety?
The exact causes of anxiety disorders are not yet fully understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to their development.
Anxiety, as an emotion, is a normal part of life. However, those with disorders experience chronic anxiety and stress and various other symptoms that interfere with their lives.
What are good things to come from anxiety?
Anxiety is not easy to live with; that's a well-known fact. Still, being diagnosed with or handling anxiety symptoms is possible, and in fact, may not be as hard to attain as you might expect.
There are lots of positives to be found when dealing with anxiety. For one thing, anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental illnesses. Many resources - including research efforts, advancements in therapy techniques, etc. - are dedicated to better understanding and treating anxiety each year.
Our understanding of anxiety has undoubtedly evolved, as has our understanding of mental health in general. Treatment centers, though there's still room for improvement in terms of availability, are numerous. Anxiety is highly treatable; there are many approved treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy that has proved to be a useful addition.
What is normal anxiety?
Experiencing some degree of anxiety, fear, or worry throughout life is to be expected. There's nothing unnatural or unhealthy about feeling these emotions, especially if they're in response to significant life events, stressful situations, or instability in life.
Anxiety disorders cause excessive worry, even if an exact source of anxiety can't be easily identified. Anxiety disorders might also cause physical symptoms, panic attacks, or exacerbate other mental health issues.
If the anxiety you experience is persistent, doesn't respond to your attempts to lessen it, or begins to interfere with your life heavily, it's likely time to get help.
What percentage of the world has anxiety?
According to recent estimates and from the World Health Organization, about 3.6% of the world population experiences an anxiety disorder (note that this figure is likely slightly higher now in 2021). To put that statistic into perspective: the organization also reported about 264 million individual cases of anxiety disorders worldwide.
What age does anxiety peak?
It's hard to pinpoint an exact age at which anxiety disorders peak for a few reasons. First, and most obvious, each case of anxiety is different, as is each affected individual. It can also be challenging to identify precisely when anxiety symptoms initially began and to what extent. Many children and young people may have difficulty realizing that their symptoms are abnormal or may not feel comfortable exploring their experiences with others.
What we do know for sure is that anxiety disorders can appear differently throughout an individual's life. That is, the way anxiety symptoms show themselves during childhood (shyness, selective mutism, having a hard time controlling emotions or communicating, etc.) may look very different during adulthood.
Can you manage GAD without medication?
If an individual cannot take medication or chooses not to, it's still possible to find relief from anxiety symptoms. Other behavioral health services, like therapy, as mentioned, are still an essential part of any treatment plan, and with dedicated effort and planning with your therapist, it's possible to control your anxiety effectively. Be sure to speak with your therapist, doctor, or other healthcare professional to discuss alternative options and how to best proceed.
Can people with anxiety sleep?
Many individuals with anxiety disorders report having a hard time falling or staying asleep many times due to the mental anguish and preoccupation they feel as a result of their anxiety symptoms.
Sleep disorders are most likely to develop if you're already dealing with a separate mental illness, including an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, there are many options out there to help make getting better, consistent sleep a possibility.
You may also benefit from changing aspects of your lifestyle - like drinking less caffeine, trying to incorporate physical activity in your day, etc. - to further help control your sleep cycle.
How can I stop anxiety?
The first and perhaps most crucial step in developing a treatment plan is meeting with a doctor or other behavioral health professional (therapist, psychiatrist, etc.). After evaluating your symptoms and providing you with an appropriate diagnosis and medical advice, you can begin to officially develop a strategy to manage your anxiety.
Once you've begun receiving treatment, you might find it helpful to find support from others who understand what you're going through. You might find a support group, for example, or an online community for those who deal with an anxiety disorder.
Who is prone to GAD?
Several risk factors may make you more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. Some are related to physical health - those with heart disease or other cardiovascular issues are more likely to develop anxiety, for instance - and family history.
Those with other mental health concerns (common mental illnesses include eating disorders, sleep disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance use disorders or occurring disorders, etc.) are more likely to develop anxiety symptoms, even if they don't escalate into a full-blown anxiety disorder.
Many mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression, often overlap and may develop due to one another. Anxiety may force you to avoid things that may have otherwise made you happy in life, like social situations, significant events, or even simple tasks like going to the grocery store or taking a ride in a car. Over time, dealing with the anguish that comes with anxiety may lead to depression symptoms.
Can anxiety destroy a relationship?
Anxiety disorders, especially those related to socialization (social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder), can negatively impact the quality of relationships, including romantic, familial, or platonic relationships.
Those who aren't being treated by behavioral health services might have more intense symptoms or have a more challenging time controlling them/keeping them from impacting others.
The critical thing to exercise when anxiety begins to impact a relationship is communication, no matter which end of the equation you're on. Being honest about how you feel or interpreting someone's actions is one of the best ways to facilitate honesty and avoid confrontation.
- Previous Article
- Next Article