Understanding anxiety disorders: recognising symptoms, understanding causes, effective treatment

Anxiety is part of life – but when does it become a psychological burden? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about anxiety disorders: from typical symptoms, causes and forms to treatment – in a well-founded, understandable and practical way. Read on if you want to understand yourself, your loved ones or your patients better and help them live free from anxiety again.

1. What is an anxiety disorder – and how does it differ from normal anxiety?

Anxiety is initially a completely normal reaction to a threat. It protects us, makes us alert and mobilises our strength. However, if the anxiety does not go away, takes on a life of its own or occurs without a clear trigger, it can develop into an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder is a mental illness that severely impairs the life of the person affected. Certain situations, thoughts or feelings trigger intense feelings of anxiety – even when there is no objective danger. People with an anxiety disorder often suffer from a constant state of anticipation, known as ‘fear of fear’.

2. What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

The symptoms of an anxiety disorder are varied. Those affected experience both psychological and physical symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Persistent worry without any specific cause

• Restlessness and nervousness

• Concentration problems

• Sleep disorders

• Compulsive brooding

• Avoidance behaviour towards anxiety-provoking situations

These symptoms of anxiety disorder are often distressing and severely restrict the sufferer's life. They lead to withdrawal, loss of joie de vivre and a deterioration in social relationships.

3. What are the physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

In addition to psychological signs, anxiety disorders also cause physical symptoms. Typical symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

• Shortness of breath and tightness in the chest

• Dizziness, light-headedness or feeling faint

• Muscle tension and trembling Gastrointestinal complaints

• Hot flushes or cold shivers

• These physical symptoms of anxiety disorder are often confused with organic diseases. Many sufferers initially consult their family doctor – even though this is a psychological reaction.

4. What is generalised anxiety disorder?

Generalised anxiety disorder is a form of anxiety disorder in which the anxiety is not related to a specific object or situation. People with generalised anxiety disorder experience constant tension and worry – often about everyday things such as work, health or family.

Typical symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder are:

• Constant nervousness

• Muscle tension

• Sleep disorders

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

Around 5% of the population experience symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

5. What types of anxiety disorders are there?

There are many different forms of anxiety disorders. The most important ones include:

• Panic disorder: Sudden, intense panic attacks with rapid heartbeat, shortness of breathand dizziness

• Social phobia: Pronounced fear of certain social situations (e.g. speaking in front of groups, eating in public)

• Specific phobia: Fear of certain things or situations, e.g. fear of spiders, heights or injections

• Agoraphobia: fear of public places or situations from which escape seems difficult

• Generalised anxiety disorder: as described above

These forms of anxiety disorders often occur in conjunction with other mental illnesses such as depression and, alongside depression, are among the most common mental illnesses.

6. What are the causes of anxiety disorders?

The causes of anxiety disorders are complex. Several factors usually play a role:

• Genetic predisposition: People whose relatives suffer from an anxiety disorder have a higher risk of developingone.

• Early experiences: Traumatic experiences in childhood or later life can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

• Mental stress: Stress, excessive demands and mental illnesses such as depression increase the risk.

• Physical causes: Thyroid disorders or cardiac arrhythmia can trigger symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder and must be ruled out by a physical examination.

7. How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?

The diagnosis of anxiety disorders is made through a detailed discussion, supplemented by questionnaires or standardised interviews if necessary. It is important to rule out organic causes through a medical examination. The diagnosis is usually made by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. They check whether symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath or sleep disorders indicate an anxiety disorder or whether there are other causes.

8. What treatment options are available?

The treatment of anxiety disorders is very successful in many cases. Proven forms of therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy: This teaches sufferers to recognise thoughts that trigger anxiety and replace them with more realistic ones.

• Confrontation therapy: In small steps, sufferers practise confronting their fear until their physical reaction subsides.

• Medication: In severe cases, medication such as antidepressants can help alleviate the symptoms.

• Psychotherapy: Long-term support and work on underlying conflicts, e.g. in chronic anxiety disorders.

With the right treatment, many people experience a noticeable improvement after just a few weeks – even to the point of living a life free from anxiety.

9. When should you seek professional help?

Not every anxiety requires immediate therapeutic support. However, if feelings of anxiety severely restrict your everyday life, have a physical impact or you have already experienced a panic attack, you should not hesitate to seek professional help.

This is especially important if you:

• avoid certain situations or objects

• suffer from anxiety over a long period of time

• withdraw socially

• fear losing control

• suffer from physical symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness

Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent the anxiety disorder from worsening over time and permanently impairing the life of those affected.

10. What helps against feelings of anxiety in everyday life?

In addition to professional treatment, there are also strategies for coping with anxiety in everyday life:

• Mindfulness and meditation: help you stay in the here and now

• Exercise: relieves tension and reduces physical symptoms such as palpitations

• Daily structure: creates security and reliability

• Talking to trusted people: relieves pressure and provides emotional relief

• Avoiding alcohol or caffeine: these substances can increase anxiety

Important: Every path out of anxiety is individual. But no one has to go it alone.

🟢 Key points at a glance

• An anxiety disorder is more than just nervousness – it is a mental illness with physical symptoms.

• Common symptoms include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, constant overthinking and avoidance of certain situations.

• The most common forms include generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder and agoraphobia.

• The causes of an anxiety disorderare varied: genetic, psychosocial, physical.

• The diagnosis of anxiety disordersis made by a medical or psychotherapeutic professional.

• A combination of cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapyand, if necessary, medication is usually successful.

• Early treatment can prevent the anxiety disorder from worsening.

• Everyday tips such as mindfulness, exercise and talking to others also help with coping.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about anxiety disorders

In the following section, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. This overview is intended as a guide and does not replace personal medical or therapeutic advice.

🟩 Anxiety disorders – an overview

What is an anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder is a mental illness in which intense and often unfounded feelings of fear significantly influence a person's thoughts, feelings and actions. The fear is no longer appropriate to the situation and significantly restricts the lives of those affected.

How common are anxiety disorders?

Alongside depression, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses. It is estimated that around one in four people will be affected at some point in their lives – women twice as often as men.

What types of anxiety disorders are there?

The most common forms include:

• Generalised anxiety disorder

• Panic disorder

• Social phobia

• Agoraphobia

• Specific phobias (e.g. fear of needles or spiders)

🟨 Causes of anxiety disorders

What are the possible causes of an anxiety disorder?

The causes are varied and often multifactorial. Possible influencing factors include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Stressful life events

• Trauma (e.g. in childhood)

• Chronic stress Physical illnesses or hormonal imbalances

• Personality factors such as high sensitivity

• Can an anxiety disorder also develop in adulthood? Yes. Anxiety disorders can develop both in childhood and later in life – for example, as a reaction to chronic stress or major changes.

🟨 Feelings of anxiety due to an illness or medication

Can physical illnesses or medication trigger anxiety?

Yes. Physical illnesses (e.g. hyperthyroidism) or certain medications can cause symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as palpitations, restlessness or dizziness. It is therefore important to seek medical advice.

How do medication-induced feelings of anxiety differ from a mental anxiety disorder? In the case of medication-induced anxiety, the symptoms usually occur immediately after taking the medication or increasing the dose and disappear again after discontinuation. A mental anxiety disorder, on the other hand, usually develops gradually and independently of medication.

🟨 Symptoms of anxiety disorders

What psychological symptoms occur in anxiety disorders?

Common psychological symptoms include:

• Persistent worry or overthinking

• Nervousness

• Concentration problems

• Anticipatory anxiety (‘fear of fear’)

• Avoidance behaviour

What physical symptoms can occur?

Typical physical symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

• Rapid heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Trembling

• Dizziness

• Muscle tension Gastrointestinal complaints

• Sleep disorders

• What are the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder? People with generalised anxiety disorder experience constant worry and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, muscle tension or exhaustion – without any clear cause and for at least six months.

🟨 Diagnosis of anxiety disorders

How is an anxiety disorder diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made through a consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist and is based on established criteria. It is important to rule out organic causes through a physical examination (e.g. by a general practitioner).

Which specialists are responsible?

Psychotherapists, psychiatrists or psychosomatic specialists are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.

Can I tell if I am affected?

If anxiety severely impairs your life, occurs regularly without any apparent trigger and leads to avoidance behaviour, this is a warning sign. A professional assessment will provide certainty.

🟨 Treatment of illnesses with anxiety disorders

How is an anxiety disorder treated?

The following are particularly effective:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Exposure therapy

• Relaxation techniques

• In severe cases: supportive medication

How long does therapy last?

Depending on the severity, outpatient psychotherapy can last from a few months to several years. Many people feel relief after just a few weeks.

Is a cure possible?

Yes. With targeted treatment and personal development, many people with anxiety disorders can learn to cope with their anxiety or overcome it completely.

🟨 Further information

What can I do myself to combat anxiety?

Helpful strategies for everyday life include:

• Mindfulness exercises

• Exercise and sport

• Maintaining social contacts

• A structured daily routine

• A low-stimulus environment when feeling overwhelmed

What does ‘fear of fear’ mean? The term describes an anticipatory anxiety, i.e. the fear of experiencing an anxiety-provoking situation again, which can intensify the symptoms or even trigger them in the first place. Where can I find professional help?

Contact your family doctor, a psychological counselling centre or search for psychotherapy services in your area.

Are there self-help groups for anxiety disorders?

Yes. In many cities and online, there are groups where those affected can exchange experiences, find understanding and support each other.