Anxiety

Fear is emotional response to real or perceived threat whereas anxiety is anticipation of future threat. People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. It also involves repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).

These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.

There are various types of anxiety disorders such as separation anxiety disorder, selective, specific phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder (social phobia).

Fortunately, treatment is available for all types of anxiety disorder.