Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting how individuals think, feel, and behave in response to perceived threats or stress. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily functioning.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterised by chronic worry about everyday situations, often without a clear cause.

• Panic Disorder: Involves sudden episodes of intense fear (panic attacks), often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: A fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.

• Specific Phobias: Intense fear of particular objects or situations (e.g. flying, heights, animals).

• Health Anxiety: Excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are also closely related to anxiety and may share overlapping symptoms.

Anxiety disorders can affect relationships, work, sleep, and overall wellbeing. They often involve patterns of avoidance, hypervigilance, and negative thinking that reinforce the anxiety over time.

Psychological therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders. One of the most evidence-based approaches is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that maintain anxiety. CBT also teaches practical coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, exposure exercises, and problem-solving skills.

Other therapies may also be beneficial:

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) helps reduce self-criticism and build emotional resilience.

• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) explores how past experiences and relational patterns contribute to current anxiety.

• Mindfulness-based approaches can support individuals in managing anxious thoughts and staying grounded in the present.

Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to understand the root causes of anxiety and develop tools to manage it more effectively. With the right support, many people experience significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life