Anxiety is a common condition that can cause excessive worry, fear, or physical tension, and it can interfere with daily life. For patients, the most useful first step is recognizing symptoms early and getting support if the anxiety is persistent or disruptive.

Common symptoms

Anxiety can affect both the mind and body. Common symptoms include nervousness, restlessness, trouble concentrating, irritability, sleep problems, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, nausea, and a feeling that something bad may happen.

Treatment options

Treatment often includes psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people identify and change anxious thought patterns and behaviors. Some patients also benefit from medication such as antidepressants, and many do best with a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle support.

Ways to cope

Helpful self-management strategies include deep breathing, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and talking with someone you trust. Learning about anxiety and using structured coping skills can reduce symptoms and make episodes easier to manage.

When to seek help

A patient should seek professional help if anxiety is frequent, severe, lasts for weeks or months, or affects work, school, relationships, or daily routines. It is also important to get help sooner if anxiety leads to panic attacks, avoidance of normal activities, or worsening depression or substance use.

Emergency warning signs

Get urgent help right away if anxiety comes with thoughts of self-harm, inability to function, chest pain that may be medical rather than anxiety-related, or severe panic that does not settle. Anxiety can overlap with other health conditions, so a clinician can help sort out what is causing the symptoms