Are You Suffering From Anxiety Disorder? A Practical Guide
Wondering if you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder? Learn how to recognise symptoms, understand causes, explore treatment options, and find practical strategies for calm. Get expert-backed guidance and when to seek help through Apollo 24|7.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 29th Oct, 2025
.webp?tr=q-80,f-webp,w-350,dpr-2,c-at_max 700w)
Introduction
Anxiety is a normal human response to stress. But when worry feels constant, intense, and hard to control—interfering with sleep, work, or relationships—you may be facing an anxiety disorder. If you’re wondering, “Am I suffering from anxiety disorder?” you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and they’re also highly treatable with the right support.
In this guide, you’ll learn what anxiety disorder is (and isn’t), how to spot symptoms, the different types, why it happens, and the treatments that work best. We’ll walk through practical steps you can take today to calm your body and mind, plus when it’s time to seek professional help. You’ll also find advice for loved ones, workplace tips, and answers to common questions—grounded in reputable sources and explained in plain language. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or begin to disrupt your daily life, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 for further evaluation and support. Let’s start by understanding how everyday worry turns into a disorder—and how you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
Understanding Anxiety Disorder
Here’s what you need to know about what defines anxiety disorder and how it develops:
When normal worry becomes a disorder
We all experience anxiety before a presentation or an exam. That’s normal and often helpful—it nudges us to prepare. Anxiety becomes a disorder when it is persistent (most days for weeks or months), excessive (out of proportion to the situation), and impairing (reduces your ability to function at work, school, or home). People with an anxiety disorder often report that worry feels uncontrollable, shifting from one topic to the next, with “what if?” thoughts repeating even when there’s no clear threat.
The anxiety loop: brain, body, and behaviour (what keeps anxiety going)
Anxiety is a body-brain loop. Your brain’s threat detection system (amygdala and related circuits) triggers fight-or-flight signals. You feel physical changes—racing heart, tight chest, dizziness—so you scan for danger, worry escalates, and you avoid situations that feel risky. Avoidance reduces distress in the short term but prevents your brain from learning that the situation is safe, reinforcing the loop. Therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure help you step into feared situations gradually, teaching your brain to “update” its threat prediction so the loop weakens over time.
Quick self-check: patterns that signal a problem
- You worry most days for at least two weeks about several areas (health, finances, performance).
- You have trouble controlling the worry; it intrudes on sleep and focus.
- You avoid people, places, or tasks to reduce fear.
If several apply, consider a brief anxiety disorder test (like the GAD-7) and speak with a clinician.
Consult Top Specialists Here
How Common Is Anxiety Disorder, and Why It Matters
Here’s why understanding prevalence and impact is essential:
Prevalence and who is most affected
Anxiety disorders are common. In the United States, an estimated 31.1% of adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives; women are more affected than men. Globally, WHO estimates around 301 million people were living with an anxiety disorder in 2019, including 58 million children and adolescents. Anxiety often begins in childhood or adolescence and can persist if untreated, making early support important.
Impact on work, school, and relationships
Anxiety can affect performance, attendance, and confidence. Social anxiety may lead to missed opportunities, while generalised anxiety can drain mental energy and sleep, reducing productivity. Panic symptoms may send people to emergency rooms because they feel like a heart attack. Relationships can be strained by reassurance seeking, irritability, or avoidance of social activities.
The cost of delaying care
Untreated anxiety is linked with higher risk of depression, substance use, and reduced quality of life. The good news: evidence-based therapies and medications are effective, and many people improve significantly with support. Early intervention reduces the duration and impact of symptoms.
Symptoms: What Anxiety Disorder Feels Like
Here’s how to identify emotional, cognitive, and physical signs of anxiety disorder:
Emotional and cognitive symptoms
Common signs of anxiety disorder in adults include:
- Excessive, hard-to-control worry about multiple areas of life
- Restlessness, feeling “on edge,” irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Anticipatory dread, worst-case thinking, reassurance seeking
These often show up as procrastination, perfectionism, or overly avoiding risks. Keep a brief generalised anxiety disorder symptoms checklist to notice patterns without over-monitoring.
Physical symptoms and panic attacks
Anxiety is felt in the body: muscle tension, headaches, stomach upset or nausea, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and sleep disturbances. Panic attacks are intense surges of fear peaking within minutes, with symptoms like chest pain, choking sensation, and fear of dying or “going crazy.” While frightening, panic attacks are not dangerous; learning the difference between anxiety and a panic attack can reduce fear and avoidance.
Screening tools (GAD-7) and when to see a doctor
The GAD-7 is a brief, validated questionnaire used to screen for generalised anxiety disorder. Scores of 10 or higher suggest clinically significant anxiety and the need for further evaluation. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, interfere with daily life, or you’re worried about your health, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7. Seek urgent care if you have chest pain with risk factors for heart disease or thoughts of self-harm.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Here’s a breakdown of different anxiety disorders and how they manifest:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD involves excessive anxiety and worry about multiple domains (health, finances, work/school) on most days for at least six months, plus symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, and sleep issues. People often describe it as a constant background hum of worry.
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Panic disorder features recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing concern about additional attacks or their consequences, often leading to avoidance. Exposure-based CBT and medications (like SSRIs) can help reduce frequency and intensity.
Social anxiety disorder
Marked fear of social or performance situations where one may be scrutinized or embarrassed. Many avoid public speaking, meetings, or social gatherings. The best therapy for social anxiety disorder typically includes CBT with exposure and social skills practice.
Phobias and agoraphobia
Specific phobias involve intense fear of particular objects or situations (e.g., flying, heights, needles). Agoraphobia is fear of being in places where escape might be hard or help not available—often linked with panic. Gradual exposure (sometimes paired with virtual reality) is effective.
Separation anxiety and selective mutism
More common in children but can occur in adults; selective mutism is consistent failure to speak in certain social settings despite speaking in others. Early therapy improves outcomes.
Why Anxiety Disorders Happen (Causes and Risk Factors)
Here’s what science reveals about what causes anxiety disorders:
Genetics, brain circuits, and hormones
Anxiety disorders run in families; genetics and brain network differences (amygdala-prefrontal circuitry) contribute to sensitivity to threat. Stress hormones (like cortisol) and neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA) influence anxiety pathways. No single cause explains every case; it’s a blend of biology and experience.
Life events, stress, and personality traits
Adverse childhood experiences, chronic stress, and major life changes (loss, illness, job transitions) can precipitate anxiety. Traits like high neuroticism, behavioural inhibition in childhood, and perfectionism increase vulnerability. Cultural and social factors also shape how anxiety shows up and how people seek help.
Medical conditions, medication effects, and substances (including caffeine)
Thyroid dysfunction, anaemia, cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, and chronic pain can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms. Stimulants (caffeine, decongestants), some asthma inhalers, and certain antidepressants early in treatment can increase jitteriness. Alcohol and cannabis may feel calming but can rebound anxiety later. If you notice anxiety and thyroid symptoms together (e.g., palpitations, heat intolerance), ask your doctor about testing.
Getting a Diagnosis and Useful Tests
Here’s how doctors assess and confirm anxiety disorders:
What clinicians look for (DSM-5-TR criteria)
Clinicians assess duration, intensity, impairment, and rule out other causes. They’ll ask about triggers, avoidance, panic features, past treatments, family history, sleep, substance use, and medical conditions. Structured tools like the GAD-7 or Panic Disorder Severity Scale may be used.
Rule-outs and medical checks (thyroid, anaemia, Vitamin D)
A thorough exam helps exclude medical contributors. Common labs may include thyroid function (TSH), complete blood count (for anaemia), B12/folate, and sometimes vitamin D. Screening for sleep apnea or arrhythmias may be considered based on symptoms. Apollo 24|7 offers convenient home collection for tests like thyroid panels, vitamin D, or HbA1c when needed to rule out contributors.
What to bring to your appointment and what to expect
- A brief symptom timeline and examples of how anxiety interferes with daily life
- Medication/supplement list, caffeine and alcohol intake
- Personal goals (e.g., “deliver presentations without panic”)
If your condition does not improve after trying initial self-help strategies, book a physical visit to a doctor with Apollo 24|7 for a comprehensive plan tailored to you.
Evidence-Based Treatments That Work
Here’s a look at the most effective treatments for anxiety:
Psychotherapy (CBT, exposure, ACT)
CBT helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours and replace them with realistic thinking and gradual exposure. For panic, interoceptive exposure (intentionally triggering body sensations like fast breathing) teaches your brain that the sensations are safe. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on values-driven actions while making room for anxiety. Meta-analyses show CBT is effective across anxiety disorders, with moderate to large effect sizes and durable benefits.
Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, others) and how they’re used
First-line medications include SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram) and SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine). These are not habit-forming and are taken daily; benefits often begin in 2–4 weeks and continue to build for 8–12 weeks. Buspirone may help GAD; benzodiazepines can reduce acute anxiety but carry risks (dependence, sedation) and are not first-line for long-term use. Beta-blockers may help performance anxiety. Discuss side effects, interactions, and pregnancy plans with your clinician.
Digital tools, group programs, and relapse prevention
Evidence-backed digital CBT and online therapy for anxiety in India can improve access. Group CBT offers exposure practice and support. After improvement, taper therapy frequency but keep a written relapse-prevention plan: early warning signs, coping steps, and booster sessions. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks after starting treatment or worsen, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 to adjust the plan.
Everyday Strategies and Self-Help
Here’s how to calm your mind and body with daily tools:
Breathing, grounding, and sleep
- Diaphragmatic breathing: slow inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6–8 seconds, for 5 minutes.
- Grounding: 5-4-3-2-1 sensory scan; name objects/colors; feel feet on the floor.
- Sleep: keep a consistent schedule; limit screens 60 minutes before bed; try “worry time” earlier in the day to park intrusive thoughts. If you wake with anxiety at night, use low light, gentle breathing, and a brief body scan—avoid full wakefulness.
Exercise, caffeine limits, and nutrition
Regular aerobic exercise (e.g., 150 minutes/week of moderate activity) reduces anxiety symptoms and improves sleep. Keep caffeine below your personal threshold—many with panic are sensitive, so consider decaf after noon. Balanced meals, omega-3-rich foods, and steady hydration support mood stability. Natural remedies for anxiety disorder like chamomile or lavender may help mild symptoms, but discuss supplements with your clinician to avoid interactions.
Micro-exposures and the “anxiety budget”
Create a weekly “anxiety budget”: choose 2–3 small, repeatable exposures (e.g., stand in a queue for 3 minutes, attend a 10-minute social chat) and log wins, not minutes. Start at 1% harder than comfortable and repeat until boredom replaces fear. This is a simple, unique twist that helps you scale exposures sustainably without overwhelming yourself.
When to Seek Urgent Help and How to Support Others
Here’s when to get professional help and how loved ones can assist:
Red flags and crisis steps
Seek immediate help if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, fainting with injury, new chest pain/shortness of breath with cardiac risk, or panic with atypical neurologic symptoms. In an emergency, call local emergency services. For severe, persistent anxiety beyond two weeks despite self-help, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 for further evaluation and treatment options.
How loved ones can help without enabling
- Validate feelings without feeding avoidance: “I know this is hard; how can I support you to take the next small step?”
- Set compassionate boundaries around reassurance. Agree on a plan: one reassurance, then a coping skill.
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Join for graded exposures.
Work and school accommodations
Ask about flexible deadlines during flare-ups, quiet spaces for focus, or brief breaks after presentations. For students, talk to counselors about exam seating, presentation alternatives, or gradual re-entry after absences. Workplace accommodations for anxiety are common and can be temporary while treatment progresses.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders can feel overwhelming, but they are highly manageable with the right tools and support. Understanding the difference between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder helps you act sooner, sparing months or years of avoidable distress. Evidence-based care—especially CBT with gradual exposure and, when appropriate, medications like SSRIs or SNRIs—can quiet the anxiety loop and restore your confidence. Daily practices such as slow breathing, steady sleep, regular exercise, and measured caffeine use strengthen your foundation. Micro-exposures and an “anxiety budget” keep you moving forward without burnout.
If you recognise signs of anxiety disorder in yourself or someone you love, take the next small step today—whether it’s completing a GAD-7 screen, trying a 5-minute breathing practice, or booking a consultation. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or significantly impact your life, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 for a personalised plan; if recommended, Apollo 24|7 also offers home collection for useful tests like thyroid panels or vitamin D. Recovery rarely happens overnight, but with steady steps and the right support, it’s absolutely achievable. You deserve relief—and it’s closer than it feels.
Consult Top Specialists Here
Consult Top Specialists Here
Ms. Moumita Ganguly
Psychologist
13 Years • B.ED(Special) Visual Impairment , PG.Diploma in Rehabilitation psychology
Kolkata
M’s Clinic, Kolkata
(125+ Patients)
Mr. Aman Kochhar
Psychologist
2 Years • MA - Psychology, Post Graduate Diploma In Guidance and Counselling
New Delhi
Well-mind Counselling, New Delhi
Dr. Rituparna Sannamoth
Clinical Psychologist
5 Years • BSC Psychology, MA Psychology, M. Phil Psychology
Barrackpore
RSV Healthcare, Barrackpore
Dr. Rakhi Anand
Psychologist
28 Years • Ph.D Clinical Psychology
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Jinesh Shah
Psychiatrist
20 Years • MBBS, MRCPsych (UK), CCT in Adult Psychiatry (UK), CCT in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (UK), PG Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry (UK), Cert Hypnotherapy (UK).
Ahmedabad
Apollo Speciality hospital, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad
(125+ Patients)
Consult Top Specialists Here
Ms. Moumita Ganguly
Psychologist
13 Years • B.ED(Special) Visual Impairment , PG.Diploma in Rehabilitation psychology
Kolkata
M’s Clinic, Kolkata
(125+ Patients)
Mr. Aman Kochhar
Psychologist
2 Years • MA - Psychology, Post Graduate Diploma In Guidance and Counselling
New Delhi
Well-mind Counselling, New Delhi
Dr. Rituparna Sannamoth
Clinical Psychologist
5 Years • BSC Psychology, MA Psychology, M. Phil Psychology
Barrackpore
RSV Healthcare, Barrackpore
Dr. Rakhi Anand
Psychologist
28 Years • Ph.D Clinical Psychology
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Jinesh Shah
Psychiatrist
20 Years • MBBS, MRCPsych (UK), CCT in Adult Psychiatry (UK), CCT in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (UK), PG Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry (UK), Cert Hypnotherapy (UK).
Ahmedabad
Apollo Speciality hospital, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad
(125+ Patients)
More articles from Anxiety disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it’s normal stress or an anxiety disorder?
Normal stress comes and goes with situations. An anxiety disorder features persistent, hard-to-control worry most days for at least two weeks (often months), plus symptoms like sleep trouble, tension, and avoidance. If in doubt, try a GAD-7 anxiety disorder test and speak to a clinician.
What is the best therapy for social anxiety disorder?
CBT with exposure and social skills practice is considered the best therapy for social anxiety disorder. It gradually reduces fear of scrutiny and improves confidence.
Which medications help generalised anxiety disorder?
First-line medications for generalised anxiety disorder include SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram) and SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine). Benefits often appear in 2–4 weeks and build over 8–12 weeks.
How can I calm anxiety at night?
Use low light, slow breathing with longer exhales, a 5-minute body scan, and a “worry pad” to park thoughts. Keep regular sleep and wake times. If nighttime anxiety persists, when to see a doctor for anxiety is sooner rather than later—online support with Apollo 24|7 can help.
Can medical issues cause anxiety-like symptoms?
Yes. Thyroid dysfunction, anaemia, heart rhythm problems, and some medications can mimic anxiety. Ask your doctor about appropriate tests; Apollo 24|7 offers convenient home collection for thyroid function and vitamin D if recommended.