Everyone feels anxious at times. Workplace pressures, public speaking, demanding schedules or exam writing can lead to worry, even fear. These feelings, however, differ from those associated with an anxiety disorder. People suffering from an anxiety disorder have intense, prolonged feelings of fright and distress for no obvious reason, and these feelings can interfere with all their relationships.

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems, affecting approximately one in 10 people. More women than men are affected. Children are also affected. Anxiety disorders are illnesses, believe to be caused by a combination of biological factors and an individual’s personal circumstances. Commonly, people suffer from more than one anxiety disorder along with another condition, such as depression, eating disorders or substance abuse. Anxiety disorders may be treated by drug therapy and/or cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

Excerpts from CMHA National web site – Anxiety Disorders