Anxiety FAQ
Table of contents
Frequently asked questions about anxiety
What is anxiety?
Anxiety can be defined as an uneasy physiological, psychological, and emotional reaction to believing a future threat has the potential to cause harm. Where fear is a reaction to a real or perceived imminent threat, anxiety is a reaction to a future real or perceived threat.
For more information, see our Anxiety 101 article or our Anxiety Disorder Signs and Symptoms article.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety is caused by apprehensive behavior. Behavior is defined as the ways we think and act. Therefore, we cause anxiety when we behave in anxious ways. Worry – imagining something bad or unpleasant might happen – is an example of apprehensive behavior that causes anxiety.
For more information, visit our What Causes Anxiety? article.
What is an anxiety attack?
An anxiety attack is an episode of an acute fear that is accompanied by a high degree stress response and strong symptoms, such as pounding and racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, tingling, feeling it is out of control, and others.
For more information, see our anxiety attack symptoms article.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is an episode of an acute fear that is accompanied by intense symptoms that come on suddenly and are short in duration. Overall, a panic attack is a severe high degree stress response that is accompanied by strong symptoms, such as pounding and racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, tingling, feeling it is out of control, and others.
For more information, see our panic attack symptoms article.
What is anxiety disorder?
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. This is normal. Anxiety becomes a disorder when anxiety or its symptoms interfere with a normal lifestyle. There are many types of anxiety disorder, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and phobias.
For more information about, see our Anxiety Symptoms article.
Why do I have anxiety symptoms when I don't feel anxious?
Having anxiety symptoms when you don't feel anxious is a common anxiety disorder experience. There are good reasons why anxiety can cause persistent 24/7 symptoms even though you don’t feel anxious in that moment. Knowing these reasons can help you eliminate 24/7 anxiety symptoms even though you might not feel anxious at the time, or that day, or that week.
For more information, visit our "Anxiety Symptoms When Not Anxious" article.
Why is mental illness on the rise?
Research has identified many reasons why mental illness is on the rise. For instance, increased parental pressures, increased adoption of electronic media, increased divisive views, increased violent programming, social media pressure and isolation, poor or reduced sleep, increased financial pressure, and so on.
For more information, see our article “Why Is Mental Illness On The Rise.”
Can you have symptoms of anxiety without feeling anxious?
Yes, you can have symptoms of anxiety without feeling anxious. There are several reasons for this including:
- You may not be aware you are an anxious person.
- You may not be aware of some of the behaviors that create anxiety and symptoms.
- Apprehensive behavior stresses the body, and a body that's stressed can exhibit symptoms.
- The effects of chronic stress (hyperstimulation).
And so on. For more information, see our article "Can you have symptoms of anxiety without feeling anxious?"
Why won't anxiety just go away?
Many people struggle with anxiety disorder and its symptoms for years, often including panic attacks. We often hear them ask, "Why won't my anxiety just go away? I feel stuck!"
There are good reasons why anxiety disorder and its symptoms don't disappear on their own. Visit our article "Why Won't Anxiety Just Go Away?" article for an answer to this question.
Summer anxiety? Why am I more anxious in the summer?
It's true. People can feel more anxious in the summer. They can also have an increase in anxiety symptoms during the summer. There are many reasons for this, both biological and behavorial. One reason is that hot temperatures can increase cortisol, one of the body's most powerful stress hormones. An increase in stress hormones can cause an increase in anxiety and its symptoms. You can read more about this in our "Summer anxiety? More anxious in the summer?" article.
Can anxiety cause migraine headaches, and can migraine headaches cause anxiety?
Yes, on both counts. Anxiety stresses the body and stress is a known trigger of migraine headaches. People who worry about having migraine headaches will experience anxiety since worry is an example of apprehensive behavior that creates anxiety. For more information, visit our "Migraines And Anxiety" article.
Can antibiotics cause an increase in anxiety and its symptoms?
Yes and no! First, anxiety is caused by apprehensive behavior. So no, antibiotics don't cause anxiety. Second, yes, antibiotics can cause an increase in anxiety-like symptoms as well as aggravate existing anxiety symptoms. Third, if you are worried about taking an antibiotic or the increase in symptoms, that worry will create anxiety since worry is a behavior that creates anxiety. You can read much more about antibiotics and anxiety in our "Anxiety And Antibiotics" article.
How do you quit smoking when you have anxiety disorder?
Quitting smoking when you have anxiety disorder can be difficult. There are many things you can do to make the withdrawal process easier. For more information, visit our "How To Quit Smoking When You Have Anxiety Disorder" article.
If there is a difference between anxiety symptoms in men and women, what are some of the anxiety symptoms in women?
The majority of anxiety symptoms in men and women are similar, but there are some anxiety symptom differences. You can read more about this in our “Anxiety Symptoms In Women” article.
Is there is a difference between anxiety symptoms in men and women, and if so, what are some of the anxiety symptoms in men?
Anxiety symptoms in men and women are similar. There are, however, some differences between them. You can read more about men and anxiety symptoms in our “Anxiety Symptoms In Men” article.
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We regularly post helpful and informative videos. Subscribe now!What are some of the anxiety symptoms in children?
Anxiety symptoms in humans are similar, including in children. There are, however, some differences between age groups. You can read more about how children are affected in our “Anxiety Symptoms In Children” article.
- What do I do if I have anxiety symptoms?
- Why Did I Suddenly Develop Major Anxiety Disorder?
- I was just diagnosed with anxiety and panic. What should I do?
- Help! Anxiety is controlling my life. What can I do to get rid of it and its symptoms?
- Why do I think more anxiously when stressed or anxious?
- What are symptoms of an anxiety attack?
- Why anxiety can make you feel sick?
- Can You Have Anxiety Disorder Without Underlying Factors?
- Can Anxiety Trap You So You Can't Get Out?
- Can anxiety make you feel sick but you don't know how to describe it because it's not like the flu?
- Are anxiety symptoms real or are they just all in my head (imagining them)?
- Is it possible for a person to never recover from anxiety disorder?
- Can anxiety lead to serious mental illness?
- Can anxiety disorder lead to serious mental illness?
- Summer anxiety? Why am I more anxious in the summer?
- Can anxiety cause slipping rib syndrome?
- If any one can overcome anxiety disorder, why do some people have anxiety disorder long-term or their entire lives?
- The most effective help for anxiety
- How can I help my 15-year-old daughter overcome a fear of throwing up (emetophobia)?
- What is the best way to overcome anxiety disorder?
- When is the best time to address anxiety disorder?
- What does anxietycentre.com offer that can help me overcome my anxiety disorder?
- Is anxiety disorder totally reversible?
- How can I help my 10-year-old daughter with anxiety?
- Another website said that anxiety isn't harmful. Is that correct? Is anxiety harmful?
- Is anxiety caused by a disease of the brain?
- Are people who struggle with anxiety disorder weak-minded, mentally deficient, or less intelligent?
- The Two Levels of Anxiety Disorder Recovery
- Is my anxiety affecting my relationship, or is my relationship affecting my anxiety?
- Is anxiety caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain?
- My doctor said that anxiety and depressive disorders are caused by a biological problem or chemical imbalance problem in the brain? He also said that this biological or chemical imbalance problem is genetically inherited. Is this true? Are anxiety and depression caused by a biological problem with the brain, chemical imbalance in the brain, or by genes?
- I've recently heard that several antidepressants are no better than placebo. Is that true?
- What is the best way to stop worrying about my health?
- I have 'white coat syndrome.' What should I do?
- What is the best way to deal with health anxiety?
- Is it normal to feel spaced out after a panic attack?
- Can thinking anxiously turn into a habit and personality?
- Can anxiety cause nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting)?
- Thanks to your information, I just realized that my anxious behavior is teaching my children to be anxious, too. I see them doing the same kinds of things I used to when I was a child. This breaks my heart. As a parent with young children, how can I help them overcome their anxiety issues when I’m just starting to work on my own?
- How can I help my 20 year old daughter with anxiety?
Frequent Questions About Anxiety Symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety? What are the signs and symptoms of an anxiety attack?
- Why do we become afraid of anxiety symptoms?
- Are there some anxiety symptoms that won’t ever go away?
- Why did my anxiety symptoms return?
- Can anxiety symptoms change?
- Can anxiety symptoms move around?
- Can Anxiety Cause More Than One Anxiety Symptom?
- Why Anxiety Symptoms Return Same Time Every Year?
- 6 Reasons Why Anxiety Symptoms Can Seem Worse When Relaxing
- Can anxiety cause hallucinations?
- Can anxiety symptoms occur on just one side of the body?
- Can Some Anxiety Symptoms Take Longer To Subside Than Others?
- How can you tell the difference between an anxiety attack and a heart attack?
- Can anxiety cause phantom and odd smells?
- Can Anxiety Cause You To Worry About One Anxiety Symptom After Another?
- Can a panic attack cause 24x7 symptoms?
- Can anxiety make you emotionally unstable?
- Do I Have COVID Long-Haul Symptoms Or Anxiety Symptoms?
- Can anxiety cause agitation symptoms?
- Can anxiety make you feel not like yourself?
- Can anxiety cause bowel symptoms and problems?
- Trembling but not sure what's different?
- Why do I feel shaky, dizzy, and have other anxiety symptoms when I’m hungry?
- Can anxiety cause a burning inside the body feeling?
- Can severe hyperstimulation cause you to never feel tired or sleepy even with little or no sleep the night before?
- Can anxiety cause heart palpitations?
- Can anxiety cause gastrointestinal problems?
- Discouraged about anxiety dizziness. Will containing my anxiety stop dizziness?
- Can anxiety become so bad that you no longer feel stress hormones?
- Can anxiety cause floaters - spots and squiggly lines in your vision?
- Is it possible to have anxiety symptoms and not feel anxious?
Can anxiety cause dizziness?
Yes, anxiety and the stress anxiety causes can both cause dizziness symptoms. In fact, it's reported that psychiatric disorders are the second most common cause of chronic dizziness, which is often referred to as Chronic Subjective Dizziness (CSD). For more information about anxiety dizziness symptoms.
- Is my anxiety different because I have so many symptoms?
- If anxiety symptoms are symptoms of stress, why do I have symptoms when I don’t feel stressed?
- Can anxiety cause sensory overload symptoms?
- Can anxiety cause sleep paralysis?
- Can anxiety cause tunnel vision like symptoms?
- Can anxiety cause crying for no reason?
- Can anxiety cause permanent symptoms?
- Can anxiety cause buzzing sensation on or in the body?
- Can anxiety cause dream flashbacks even though you are awake?
- Is it normal to feel spaced out after a panic attack?
- Can anxiety make you feel numb emotionally?
- Can anxiety cause chest tightness feeling?
- Can sensory overload cause anxiety?
- Can anxiety make you suddenly feel unusually sad?
- Why does anxiety cause a warm surge sensation in the pit of my stomach after I have an anxious thought?
- Can depersonalization affect how alcohol affects the brain?
- Mushrooms and anxiety symptoms. What should I do?
- Why do my anxiety symptoms feel different than other people’s descriptions of them?
- Do you think chronic throat clearing is a symptom of anxiety? If so, how do I get rid of it?
- Chest tightness symptoms - How To Tell The Difference Between Allergies, Asthma, And Anxiety?
- Can anxiety cause allergies symptoms?
- Can anxiety make it feel like you have butterflies in the stomach?
- Can allergies cause anxiety?
- Can anxiety cause a sudden chemical change surge-like feeling?
- Can anxiety make it feel like you can't remain still (akathisia)?
- I've been experiencing brain zaps and electric shock symptoms. I'm taking Xanax and heard that Xanax can cause them. I also heard that anxiety can cause these symptoms. Can anxiety cause these symptoms, and if so, what can I do to get rid of them? And should I stop taking my medication right away?
- I've been having a lot of symptoms, such as a tight feeling in my head, some tingling sensations in the back of my head, and I also feel like I’m trapped inside my mind. My test results all came back normal. Can this be anxiety? If so, what can I do to get rid of my symptoms?
- How can you tell if you are having a heart attack or anxiety attack?
- Can drinking caffeinated coffee aggravate anxiety and possibly slow down my recovery from anxiety disorder?
- Can anxiety cause chronic fatigue, like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- Can anxiety cause your skin to feel like it is itching and burning but with no rash?
- Can anxiety cause asthma symptoms?
- Can anxiety cause shaking?
- Can anxiety cause the feel out of breath anxiety symptoms?
- Can anxiety cause a cough?
- Can anxiety cause a tingling in the groin area?
- What is the best way to get rid of facial blushing?
- Can prednisone cause anxiety and depression symptoms?
- Can anxiety make you feel like you have the flu and flu-like symptoms?
- Can Anxiety Cause A Warm Feeling And Pain In My Chest Prior To A Bowel Movement?
Frequent Questions About Anxiety Recovery
- Anxiety Disorder Recovery - Two Levels. What are they?
- Why Is Stress Reduction So Important For Anxiety Disorder Recovery?
- Anxiety Recovery: Can you completely recover and feel normal again?
- Do I have to stop all unhealthy behavior and stress to remain healthy once I've recovered?
- Can regular deep relaxation (meditation) help with anxiety disorder?
- Is It Even Possible To Reduce Stress While Living A Normal Life?
- Why Do I Feel Better On Weekends?
- Can Playing Video Games Interfere With Anxiety Disorder Recovery?
- Should I Reread Level One Recovery Until A Therapist Is Available?
- How to quit smoking when you have anxiety disorder?
- Why Dizziness Gets Worse Toward End Of Recovery?
- Does all stress lead to hyperstimulation, or is there a threshold stress has to cross before the body becomes hyperstimulated?
- Can I overcome anxiety disorder even though I'm not Christian?
- Will eliminating hyperstimulation also eliminate anxiety disorder?
- Can Crying Relieve Stress And Help With Anxiety Disorder Recovery?
- Can Anti-Anxiety And Antidepressant Medication Affect Anxiety Disorder Recovery And Anxiety Test Results?
- Is it true that you didn’t address your underlying factors until several years after you had achieved Level One recovery?
- How do I recover from anxiety and depression if I don't know my underlying factors or why I suffer from anxiety and depression?
- While in anxiety disorder recovery, should I completely rest or live normally?
- How can I help my body heal like my mind has?
- What do you think about anxiety support groups?
- What is the best way to overcome health and medical fears?
- Anxiety Symptoms Returned After A StressFul Experience, Why?
- Can drinking caffeinated coffee aggravate anxiety and possibly slow down my recovery from anxiety disorder?
- Should I Avoid Alcohol During Recovery From Anxiety Disorder And Hyperstimulation?
- Is It Normal To Feel Resentment Toward Loved Ones Who Don’t Understand Anxiety Disorder?
Frequent Questions about Anxiety Coaching, Counselling, Therapy, and Psychotherapy
- Do your therapists take health insurance?
- How to find a good therapist: 20 Traits of an Effective Counselor or Therapist
- Can everyone recover from anxiety disorder?
- Why do you recommend therapy to overcome anxiety disorder?
- I believe there is an advantage in working with a coach/therapist who had to overcome anxiety disorder himself. But since I don't live in Canada or the USA, can I still work with one of your coaches/therapists?
- Can You Recommend A Good Anxiety Disorder Therapist In My Area?
- Do Your Anxiety Therapists Work With Clients From The UK?
- How does anxietycentre.com's anxiety coaching and therapy program work?
- I'm looking for a good therapist. What makes your therapists different from other therapists?
- What is the best way to overcome anxiety disorder?
- Your website stresses the importance of seeking therapy to overcome anxiety disorder. Is there no hope, then, for people who can’t afford therapy?
- Don't believe in therapy? Here are 15 reasons why some people don’t find therapy helpful
- I'm thinking of getting therapy from one of your recommended therapists. What is the best way to select the right therapist for me?
- What if the therapist I want to work with is not taking new clients at the time. What should I do, wait, or pick another one of your recommended therapists?
- Why do your recommended therapists have different rates?
- I heard recently that dealing with addictions, such as alcoholism and drugs, could be dealt with the same way as anxiety disorder, since the underlying factors of addiction are similar to that of anxiety disorder. Is this true? If so, do any of your therapists help people with addictions?
- I've been trying to get in to see a therapist where I live, but most have really long waiting lists. What do I do in the meantime?
- If I work on my underlying factors, will my stress level come down to what has been its normal level (which has always been quite high) or will it reset to a lower state and then that becomes the new normal level?
Frequent Questions About Anxiety and Medical, Medication, Doctors, etc.
- My neurologist said I have anxiety, but he only did a CT scan. Should I get other tests just to be sure?
- If anxiety isn't caused by a biological problem with the brain or by a chemical imbalance in the brain, why does medication help some people with anxiety disorder?
- If anxiety is not caused by a chemical imbalance, why do antidepressants help some people feel better?
- How can I know if my symptoms are caused by anxiety or a real medical condition/emergency, such as a heart attack, stroke, MS, or cancer?
- Can you explain why anxiety is listed as a side effect on many medications when you say anxiety is only caused by behavior?
- Can Anxiety Increase Bad Cholesterol (LDL)?
- Can anxiety cause thrush?
- Can Chronic Pain Increase Bad Cholesterol (LDL)?
- Can Anti-Anxiety And Antidepressant Medication Affect Anxiety Disorder Recovery And Anxiety Test Results?
- Can anxiety raise blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol?
- Can anxiety cause seizures?
- I’ve been to numerous doctors and all have agreed my symptoms are related to anxiety. But I can’t stop worrying that I may have a more serious health condition. Should I go for further testing regarding my anxiety symptoms?
- Can getting allergy shots cause anxiety or flare it up?
- Chest tightness symptoms - How To Tell The Difference Between Allergies, Asthma, And Anxiety?
- Can prednisone cause anxiety and depression symptoms?
- Can anxiety cause acne?
- Are there good and bad stress hormones?
Frequent Questions About Anxiety and Mental Health
- Is there a link between anxiety and dementia?
- Is anxiety caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain?
- Is There A Link Between ADHD And Mental Health? Yes, And It’s Strong.
Frequent Questions About Anxiety and Relationships
- Are Some People Relationship People And Others Not?
- Is It Normal To Feel Resentment Toward Loved Ones Who Don’t Understand Anxiety Disorder?
For more information about anxiety symptoms, visit our Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety page.
For more information about anxiety attack symptoms, visit our Anxiety Attack Symptoms page.
For more information about anxiety news and research, visit our Anxiety News and Anxiety Research pages.
If you have questions about your anxiety symptoms or condition, the Recovery Support area of our web site has over 1000 answers to commonly asked questions about anxiety. If you don't find your question answered there, members can email us their questions and we'll answer them.
Common Anxiety Symptoms
Additional Resources
- For a comprehensive list of Anxiety Disorders Symptoms Signs, Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
- Anxiety and panic attacks symptoms can be powerful experiences. Find out what they are and how to stop them.
- How to stop an anxiety attack and panic.
- Free online anxiety tests to screen for anxiety. Two minute tests with instant results. Such as:
- Anxiety 101 is a summarized description of anxiety, anxiety disorder, and how to overcome it.
anxietycentre.com: Information, support, and therapy for anxiety disorder and its symptoms, including Anxiety Frequently Asked Questions.