Anxiety Disorder Care
- Home
- Services
- Conditions
- Anxiety Disorders
What is Anxiety?
You might notice it when speaking in public, running late for a meeting or interviewing for a job. Your heart rate begins increasing as your adrenaline surges. This is anxiety, and it’s your body’s way of preparing itself for a possible emergency.
More than 40 million Americans have anxiety disorders, making it the most common U.S. mental illness. We’ve all experienced anxiety; however, people with anxiety disorders have intense fear and excessive worry for longer periods of time. If constant or extreme anxiety interferes with your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders take many forms, each with different symptoms. Some cause constant anxiety in daily life while others are triggered by situations like social contact. Some people have more than one anxiety disorder, symptoms usually appear by age 21, but many forms of anxiety begin in childhood or adolescence. Common types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, specific phobias as well as pediatric anxiety.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Many factors and behaviors can cause or worsen anxiety disorders, including:
- Genetics – Studies show some families have a higher-than-average number of anxiety disorders among relatives.
- Environment – Life experiences or traumatic events such as abuse, violence, illness or death may trigger anxiety disorders.
- Health issues – Medical problems linked to anxiety disorders include heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, respiratory disorders and others.
- Drugs and alcohol – Drug or alcohol use, misuse or withdrawal can cause or worsen anxiety.
- Personality – Studies show people who are prone to anxiety disorders show similar traits such as perfectionism, resistance to change or irritability.
- Other behavioral health disorders – People with other illnesses like depression often have anxiety disorders.
- Medication side effects – Medicines and over-the-counter drugs used to treat allergies, asthma, depression, thyroid conditions, Parkinson’s disease and more can cause or worsen anxiety. Discuss the side effects of any medications you take with your Mercy doctor.
Anxiety Disorder Signs
Our bodies and emotions can signal an anxiety disorder. Different types of anxiety disorders have unique signs and symptoms – but some characteristics are common to all anxiety disorders. Examples of anxiety symptoms include:
- Feelings of dread
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent urination or diarrhea
- Pounding or racing heart
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
- Expecting the worst and watching for signs of danger
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of an anxiety disorder, Mercy's behavioral health specialists are here to help.
Learn about diagnosis and treatment options for anxiety disorders.
Care for Anxiety Disorders
At Mercy, we offer comprehensive testing services to diagnose all types of anxiety disorders, including:
At Mercy, we offer compassionate care for a variety of anxiety treatment services, including: