What are common symptoms of anxiety disorder?

Clinicians Outline Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Clinicians and mental health specialists report that anxiety disorders present a consistent cluster of emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms that can impair daily life. Excessive, persistent worry is central, often disproportionate to circumstances.

Experts say restlessness or feeling keyed up, difficulty concentrating and irritability are frequent cognitive signs. Sleep disturbances, including trouble falling or staying asleep and nonrestorative sleep, commonly accompany those symptoms.

Physical manifestations cited by clinicians include muscle tension, headaches and gastrointestinal upset. Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath and dizziness may occur during heightened episodes or panic attacks. Some people describe a sense of impending doom or detachment from reality during acute episodes.

Behavioral changes are also noted: avoidance of triggers, social withdrawal and reduced participation in work or school activities. Panic disorder typically involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks and concern about future attacks. Social anxiety often features intense fear of scrutiny in social situations, while specific phobias produce immediate anxiety related to particular objects or situations.

Specialists emphasize that symptom intensity, duration and functional impact determine whether a clinical diagnosis is appropriate. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders guides clinicians in assessing severity and comorbidity, such as depressive disorders or substance use.

For evaluation and treatment, clinicians recommend evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapies and, when appropriate, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Primary care providers can initiate assessment and refer to mental health professionals.

Early recognition and professional assessment improve outcomes, clinicians say, and individuals experiencing persistent symptoms are urged to seek evaluation. Local health systems report increasing demand for assessment services; telehealth options have expanded access, though clinicians caution that severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts require emergency care and immediate contact with crisis services or local emergency departments for prompt intervention.