Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses characterized by excessive and persistent anxiety and fear. While fear is a normal response of the body to threats that helps people respond appropriately to dangerous situations, in anxiety disorders it becomes a dysfunctional and disabling force. Those affected experience intense feelings of fear, which often bear no realistic relation to the triggering events. This excessive anxiety leads to significant impairment in daily life, affects the thinking, emotions and behavior of those affected and can severely limit their ability to cope with everyday tasks.
Types of anxiety disorders
There are different types of anxiety disorders that differ in their symptoms and manifestations:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This disorder is characterized by chronic and excessive worrying about numerous areas of life that is difficult to control. Those affected often worry about everyday things such as health, finances, work and interpersonal relationships without there being a specific trigger.