Anxiety Disorders
The most common mental health condition — and one of the most treatable.
Anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. They differ in pattern but share underlying physiology and respond to similar therapies.
Causes & risk factors
- Genetics
- Trauma or chronic stress
- Temperament
- Medical conditions (thyroid, cardiac)
- Substance use and withdrawal
Symptoms
- Persistent worry out of proportion
- Panic attacks with palpitations, shortness of breath
- Avoidance behaviours
- Physical symptoms: tension, fatigue, gut symptoms
- Sleep disturbance
How it's diagnosed
- Clinical, using GAD-7 or similar screening
- Rule out cardiac, thyroid, substance-related causes
Evidence-based treatment
- Cognitive behavioural therapy — first-line
- SSRIs or SNRIs for moderate to severe anxiety
- Short-term benzodiazepines sparingly
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction
- Exposure therapy for phobia and panic
- Regular aerobic exercise
Related symptoms
Anxiety Disorders — FAQ
Do I need medication for anxiety?
Not necessarily — many improve with therapy alone. When medication helps, SSRIs are first-line, low-dose, and reviewed every few months.
Other conditions
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)Type 2 DiabetesMigraineHypothyroidismAsthmaAcid Reflux (GERD)DepressionEczema (Atopic Dermatitis)PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)ArthritisHigh Cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)Anaemia (Iron Deficiency)Back Pain (Chronic)Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
This page is general information, not medical advice for any specific person. For diagnosis and treatment, book a consultation.