Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a natural and meaningful response of our body to danger. It protects us and activates important resources.
An anxiety disorder is diagnosed when anxiety reactions are excessively intense, persistent, or occur without a real threat and significantly interfere with daily life.

Those affected often experience intense worry, physical tension, and strong avoidance behavior. As a result, quality of life can be considerably reduced — professionally, socially, and personally.

Symptoms

Anxiety disorders manifest on different levels:

Physical symptoms:

  • Palpitations or rapid heartbeat

  • Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest

  • Dizziness, trembling, sweating

  • Gastrointestinal complaints

  • Sleep disturbances

Psychological symptoms:

  • Persistent worry and rumination

  • Feelings of loss of control

  • Catastrophic thinking

  • Irritability

  • Concentration difficulties

Behavioral symptoms:

  • Avoidance of certain situations

  • Withdrawal from social contacts

  • Safety behaviors (e.g., constant checking)

Types

Anxiety disorders occur in different forms:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – persistent, difficult-to-control worries about various areas of life

  • Panic Disorder – recurrent, sudden panic attacks

  • Agoraphobia – fear of situations where escape may be difficult

  • Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) – intense fear of being judged by others

  • Specific Phobias – e.g., fear of heights, animals, or injections

Causes

Anxiety disorders usually arise from an interaction of different factors:

  • Biological factors (genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter changes)

  • Psychological factors (learning experiences, negative thinking patterns)

  • Stressful life events (trauma, chronic stress)

  • Personality factors (increased sensitivity, perfectionism)

An anxiety disorder often develops gradually and is maintained by avoidance behavior.