What Is Anxiety Disorder? What Are Its Symptoms and How Is It Treated?

Anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety or worry disorder, refers to an excessive and disproportionate emotional response to situations or events.
While a certain level of anxiety is a normal and even adaptive reaction that every person experiences, when this feeling becomes exaggerated and out of proportion to the actual situation, it can lead to psychological distress and the development of an anxiety disorder.

A person with anxiety disorder may experience difficulties in social, personal, and professional life. For instance, someone who works in crowded environments may struggle to perform their job effectively due to overwhelming anxiety.

Individuals with anxiety disorder usually have a low tolerance for uncertainty. They tend to fill uncertain situations with negative thoughts and beliefs, often reacting with disproportionate worry. They may have persistent fears and negative expectations about the future. Even when nothing is wrong, they may feel as if something terrible is about to happen, that they will receive bad news, or that some harm will occur to them or their loved ones.

Symptoms

• Restlessness, tension, and uneasiness

• Anxiety and excessive worry

• A sense that “something bad is about to happen”

• Shortness of breath or a feeling of not getting enough air

• Palpitations

• Sweating

• Headache, stomachache, or nausea

• Muscle pain and cramps

• Trembling or numbness in the body

• Difficulty concentrating and lack of focus

• Sleep disturbances

Types of Anxiety Disorders

• Panic disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Social anxiety disorder

• Phobic disorders

Treatment

Treatment for anxiety disorders often includes a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to address dysfunctional and unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as balanced nutrition, breathing exercises, and regular physical activity are recommended to support emotional stability and recovery.

Specialist Dr. Şakir Özdemir
Department of Psychiatry – OFM Antalya Hospital