Anxiety Disorders Resource Center
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Anxiety Disorders

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Anxiety disorders involve persistent feelings of anxiety, dread, or fear that become worse over time. If you have an anxiety disorder, you might experience physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and shortness of breath, potentially impacting daily life. Although the exact cause of anxiety disorders is still unknown, they can be effectively treated with a combination of medication and therapy.

What Is Anxiety?
What Is Anxiety?
What Is Anxiety?Medically Reviewed by Grant Chu, MD, MS, MBA, FACP | March 17, 2026

FAQ

What are some common types of anxiety disorders?

The main types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobia-related disorders.

While the root cause of anxiety varies by person, certain factors can increase your chance of developing an anxiety disorder, such as trauma, stress, genetics, and drugs or alcohol.

To help cope with an anxiety disorder, you might consider avoiding alcohol, eating healthy foods, prioritizing physical activity, getting good sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques (like meditation or journaling).

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prescription drugs often used to treat anxiety disorders include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers. Consult with a professional to determine your best course of treatment.

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Angela D. Harper, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adul...

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Grant Chu, MD, MS, MBA, FACP

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Grant Chu, MD, is an associate clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Chu is also associate director of inpatient East-West consult services at the ...

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Alex Dimitriu, MD

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Alex Dimitriu, MD, is dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He helps his patients optimize peak performance by day and peak restorative sleep by night, and he brin...

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Reyna Franco, RDN

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Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...

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Colleen Neumann, PsyD, MSW

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Dr. Allison Young

Allison Young, MD

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Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Young, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist providing services via telehealth throughout New York and Florida.

In addition to her private practice, Dr. Young serves as an a...

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Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN

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Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN, is a psychologist, nurse, and certified eating disorder specialist, and is the founder and owner of KML Psychological Services.

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Heidi Green, MD

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Seth Gillihan, PhD

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Seth Gillihan, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, who helps people find personal growth by making important changes in their thoughts and...
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Resources
  1. Anxiety. MedlinePlus.

ALL ANXIETY DISORDERS ARTICLES

What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety Disorders
What Is Anxiety?Medically Reviewed by Grant Chu, MD, MS, MBA, FACP | March 17, 2026
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