Everyday anxiety or anxiety disorder

Symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety is more prevalent than the common cold. Who hasn't experienced a knot in the stomach, heart palpitations, sweaty palms, worrying, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, a dry mouth, difficulty sleeping or restlessness? Who hasn't felt "wired" or found that they were easily fatigued? These feelings and symptoms are ubiquitous. How does one assess when these symptoms are an anticipated and reasonable reaction to the endless gridlock, long commutes and the pervasive workaholism that is endemic to the greater Washington, D.C., area, or, when they indicate that something more insidious lurks beneath the surface? This is an important question because anxiety disorder is very treatable. Individuals with anxiety disorder can be helped.

This article is the second of a seven part series.

Symptoms of anxiety

Does your anxiety warrant a consultation with a psychologist or mental health therapist?: Take this anxiety quiz

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Symptoms of Depression

Do your symptoms of depression warrant a consultation with a psychologist or mental health therapist?

Treatment for Clinical Depression