What is Anxiety Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

 

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

An anxiety disorder is more than just feeling stressed. It is a mental health condition characterised by persistent worry, fear, and behavioural changes that can impact work, school, and relationships. Symptoms are often severe enough to affect everyday life and well-being.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Common signs to watch for include:

Emotional and cognitive symptoms:

  • Persistent feelings of worry, dread, or being ‘on edge’

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability or restlessness

Physical symptoms:

  • Racing heartbeat or palpitations

  • Sweating

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain or tightness

  • Nausea or digestive issues

  • Muscle tension

  • Fatigue

  • Sleep disturbances

Behavioural symptoms:

  • Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety

You may have an anxiety disorder if:

  • Worries are out of proportion to the situation

  • It’s difficult to control your worries

  • Anxiety persists for 6 months or more

  • Symptoms significantly impact daily life and functioning

Causes and Risk Factors

Anxiety disorders develop due to a complex mix of factors, including:

  • Genetics and family history

  • Brain chemistry and structure

  • Personality traits

  • Life experiences, trauma, or ongoing stress

  • Other medical conditions or substance use

Higher risk groups:

  • Women (1.5–2x more likely than men)

  • People with chronic health conditions

  • Those with a history of trauma or abuse

  • Individuals with a family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders

Diagnosis – How Dr.Online Can Help

During a consultation, our private GPs will help you both diagnose and treat your anxiety symptoms using the following methods:

  • Discussing your symptoms and their impact on your daily life

  • Reviewing your medical history and lifestyle factors

  • Conducting a physical assessment to rule out other causes

  • Using standardised tools to evaluate anxiety severity

  • Considering other coexisting mental health conditions

Treatment Options

Dr.Online offers personalised treatment plans, including:

  1. Psychological Therapies

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns

  • Gradual exposure to feared situations

  • Relaxation and mindfulness techniques

  1. Medication

  • SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

  • SNRIs (Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)

  • Other antidepressants as appropriate

  • Beta-blockers eg. Propranolol for the managment of the physical symptoms of anxiety

Note: Benzodiazepines for short-term use are out of scope for Dr.Online

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional support if:

  • Anxiety interferes with daily activities

  • You experience frequent panic attacks

  • Worries feel uncontrollable

  • Anxiety affects sleep or relationships

  • You are using alcohol or drugs to cope

  • You feel depressed or have thoughts of self-harm

Dr.Online Mental Wellness Service

If you’re experiencing anxiety symptoms, Dr.Online can help. Book a dedicated 30-minute private online GP consultation, specifically designed for mental health support. Our GPs are trained in managing anxiety and other mental health conditions and provide a helpful, non-judgmental approach tailored to your needs.

During your consultation, you can:

  • Assess your symptoms in detail

  • Receive a clear diagnosis

  • Develop a personalised treatment plan to manage your anxiety effectively

Take the first step towards improving your mental well-being with expert guidance from Dr.Online.

 

Written by Dr Christian Winiger, CMO, Dr.Online UK 

References:

  1. NICE Guidelines for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults
  2. NHS – Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

 

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