Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Care
What anxiety disorders are, how they differ from everyday worry, how they are evaluated, what established care looks like, and what complementary approaches have and have not shown.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What anxiety disorders are
Feeling anxious is a normal part of life, and many people worry about health, money, school, work or family. Anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear: the anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations and can get worse over time. [1] The types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and various phobia-related disorders. [1]They are common. NIMH reports that about a third of U.S. adolescents and adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. [1] NCCIH cites about 19 percent of U.S. adults with an anxiety disorder in the previous year. [2] This page is educational and cannot diagnose you. For panic specifically, see Panic attacks and panic disorder; for how anxiety differs from stress, see Stress, anxiety, burnout and depression.
Common features
Taking generalized anxiety disorder as an example, NIMH lists features such as worrying excessively about everyday things, trouble controlling worry, feeling "on edge," restlessness, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, tiredness, and aches or tension. [3] The NHS describes the main symptom as stress or worry that affects daily life and is difficult to control. [4]These features overlap with ordinary stress and with other conditions, so a list cannot tell you whether you have a disorder. What matters is how long it lasts and how much it interferes with your life. [3]
How it is evaluated
- A provider asks when your symptoms began, how long they have lasted, how often they occur and how they affect your life. [3]
- A physical exam may be done to make sure an unrelated physical problem is not causing the symptoms. [3]
- For GAD, diagnosis requires that worry is hard to control on most days for at least 6 months, along with at least three of these: feeling restless or on edge, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension or sleep problems. [3]
- Anxiety disorders often occur with other conditions, such as depression, and with alcohol or substance misuse. [3]
Established care
Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication or both, and finding the right plan may take trial and error. [3]- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people notice automatic ways of thinking that are inaccurate or harmful, question them and change behavior patterns. NIMH calls it well studied and the "gold standard" choice for psychotherapy. [3] See Therapy for anxiety and stress.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another option for GAD, with a growing body of research behind it. [3]
- Medicines include SSRI and SNRI antidepressants (which may take several weeks to work), benzodiazepines (usually prescribed for brief periods because of tolerance and dependence) and buspirone. [3] In England, the NHS notes a GP will usually advise talking therapies before medicine. [4]
- Healthy habits such as cutting back on caffeine and getting enough sleep can reduce anxiety symptoms when paired with standard care; they do not replace treatment. [3] Exercise, mindfulness and meditation can also reduce symptoms and enhance the effects of psychotherapy. [3]
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. Talk with the prescriber.
What complementary approaches have shown
Evidence labels: promising but limited, mixed, insufficient evidence. These are for adults with anxiety symptoms or disorders; findings in one group should not be assumed for another.| Approach | What the NCCIH summary found | Evidence label |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based stress reduction | A 2023 randomized trial of 208 people with anxiety disorders found it not less effective than escitalopram, a commonly prescribed medicine. [2] | Promising but limited |
| Yoga | Some studies show help for anxiety symptoms, but evidence is inconclusive for anxiety disorders; a Kundalini yoga trial for GAD improved symptoms but was less helpful than CBT. [2] | Mixed |
| Relaxation techniques | May reduce anxiety in people with chronic medical problems or procedures; CBT may be more helpful for at least some anxiety disorders. [2] | Mixed |
| Acupuncture | Limited evidence, with low overall study quality. [2] | Insufficient evidence |
| Chamomile supplement | Two preliminary studies suggest it might help GAD; not conclusive. [2] | Promising but limited |
| Kava | May have a small effect but has been linked to a risk of severe liver injury. [2] | Mixed, with a safety concern |
| Lavender oil (by mouth) | Small studies suggest it might help; no definite conclusions. [2] | Promising but limited |
| Valerian | Not enough evidence for conclusions about anxiety. [2] | Insufficient evidence |
More on supplements and their safety: Supplements, teas and adaptogens for stress compared and How interactions work.
When to get help
If anxiety interferes with school, work or relationships, it is time to seek professional help. [3] A primary care provider can refer you. [3] If you are thinking about suicide or in emotional distress, call or text 988 in the US (free, 24/7); in life-threatening situations call 911. [3][5] Outside the US, use your local emergency number or look up your country's crisis line.Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between normal worry and an anxiety disorder?
With a disorder, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations and can get worse over time. [1]
How long do symptoms need to last for generalized anxiety disorder?
NIMH says a diagnosis requires difficulty controlling worry on most days for at least 6 months, plus at least three of six listed symptoms. [3]
Is CBT better than relaxation techniques?
NCCIH notes CBT may be more helpful than relaxation techniques for at least some anxiety disorders. [2] A 2018 review found relaxation therapy seemed less effective than CBT for PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder. [6]
Are herbal remedies a safe alternative?
Not automatically. Kava has been linked to severe liver injury, and supplements can interact with medicines. [2]
References
- National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety Disorders. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Anxiety and Complementary Health Approaches. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Read 2026-10-22.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Lifeline home page. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Relaxation Techniques: What You Need To Know. Read 2026-10-22.