Anxiety

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Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.

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Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life – for example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. 

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However, some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. 

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Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including: 

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• panic disorder

• phobias – such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia  

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

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The exact cause of anxiety isn't fully understood, although it's likely that a combination of several factors plays a role. Research has suggested that these may include:

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• overactivity in areas of the brain involved in emotions and behaviour 

• an imbalance of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline, which are involved in the control and regulation of mood 

• the genes you inherit from your parents – you're estimated to be five times more likely to develop GAD if you have a close relative with the condition 

• having a history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse or bullying 

• having a painful long-term health condition, such as arthritis

• having a history of drug or alcohol misuse

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