Anxiety

Reviewed by Dr. Kalman Khodik, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist (NY & NJ), Founder and Clinical Director

Do you often find yourself feeling restless, on edge, or consumed by worries about what could go wrong? Anxiety can disrupt focus and performance at work or school, create tension in family life, strain romantic relationships, and make everyday interactions more challenging.

Key points

Overview

Do you frequently experience anxiety, unease, a lack of motivation, or relationship issues? Do you often get intrusive thoughts? Do you regularly feel insecure and question what others think of you? Your emotional challenges may be powered by an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, anxiety often responds well to treatment.

Anxiety is extremely common

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than one in five US adults between 18 and 60 experienced an anxiety disorder in the last year.

Even prior to COVID-19, the prevalence of anxiety was on the rise. The epidemic just amplified this secular long-term tendency. Before and during the epidemic, psychologists and social workers measured an increase in the severity and frequency of emotional issues. In fact, the “Hedonometer” at the University of Vermont measured the lowest level of human happiness ever recorded in the United States.

Modern life creates a perfect storm for anxiety. Working from home, having fewer social interactions, less time with friends, looser familial ties, spending more time indoors, and large doses of screen time all contribute to the increase in anxiety. A growing number of individuals are finding it difficult to manage their stress. Some people use alcohol to self-medicate or adopt other unhealthy behaviors.

Anxiety levels, once elevated, tend to stay high or get higher

Everyone is hard-wired to react to anxiety. When our brain perceives hazards, such as a bear emerging from the woods or a speeding car approaching, anxiety helps us respond to the challenge. When we are concerned about missing a plane, we sprint to the gate. When we need to meet a deadline at work, we can get an extra burst of energy.

When we don’t respond effectively to an anxiety trigger, or if the trigger persists over time, we can get stuck in stress-induced mental pathways. We can develop unhealthy and negative coping patterns that keep us stuck and feeling anxious even after the initial trigger has passed.

Types of anxiety disorders

Anxiety can appear differently in different people and at different times in their lives. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias are all anxiety-related disorders.

Symptoms

Your symptoms may depend on the specific anxiety disorder that you experience.

Social anxiety can make it hard to speak up at work or school, participate in social situations, or even feel comfortable leaving the house.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is marked by ongoing feelings of worry or dread. People with GAD may also experience restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, irritability, headaches, muscle tension, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical discomfort.

Panic attacks may involve a racing heartbeat, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or an overwhelming sense of losing control.

Phobias are intense fears that are out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the object or the situation. Some examples of phobias include fear of flying, heights, or being in an enclosed space.

Causes and risk factors

Anxiety disorders often develop through a combination of genetic, environmental, and physical factors. Having a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions, or experiencing stressful or traumatic life events, can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety.

Certain medical conditions—such as thyroid problems or heart arrhythmias—are also linked to a higher risk. In addition, lifestyle factors like heavy caffeine use or substance abuse can worsen anxiety or make it more likely to occur.

Treatment for anxiety

Anxiety disorders tend to respond well to psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” For psychotherapy to be effective, it should be focused on your specific experience. With the right choice of therapist and therapy approach, you can restore balance in your life. You can live a life with fewer worries. You can feel more calm and content. You can be more present and live a fuller, more meaningful life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals learn new ways of thinking, responding, and behaving in order to reduce anxiety and fear. It is one of the most well-researched and effective forms of therapy for anxiety.

Exposure therapy, a specific CBT technique, gradually and safely helps people confront the fears that drive their anxiety. This approach supports individuals in re-engaging with activities they may have been avoiding. Sometimes, relaxation exercises are integrated to make the process more manageable.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses mindfulness, values-based goal setting, and other techniques to help people reduce distress, build resilience, and live more fully—even in the presence of anxiety.

Medication can be an important part of treatment. It may help stabilize mood, improve daily functioning at home and work, and support healthy self-care. Often, medication works best alongside psychotherapy and lifestyle changes—such as better sleep, nutrition, and exercise—creating a strong foundation for long-term well-being.

Reach out today

If racing thoughts, constant worry, or physical tension have become a part of your daily life, know that you’re not alone—and effective help is available. Therapy can provide you with practical tools to manage anxiety and uncover underlying causes so that you can reclaim peace and confidence.

Reach out today to start your journey towards calm, clarity, and a life with greater ease and purpose.

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More information

Anxiety Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder

Henning, M., Subic-Wrana, C., Wiltink, J., & Beutel, M. (2020). Anxiety Disorders in Patients With Somatic Diseases. Psychosomatic Medicine.

Nelson, H., Cantor, A., Pappas, M., & Weeks, C. (2020). Screening for Anxiety in Adolescent and Adult Women. Annals of Internal Medicine.

What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference

Reviewed by Dr. Kalman Khodik, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist (NY & NJ)

Dr. Kalman Khodik, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in New York and New Jersey and the Founder and Clinical Director of Avita Psychological Care and Avita Integrative Care. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University and completed advanced clinical training at the Karen Horney Clinic in New York City. Dr. Khodik specializes in depth-oriented, psychodynamic therapy and provides clinical leadership and supervision for Avita’s team of therapists.

See Dr. Khodik's full bio here