Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life; however, anxiety disorders involve more than temporary fear or worry. For an individual with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can increase over time. The symptoms can interfere with every day life, such as job or school performance and relationships. Anxiety symptoms can also manifest as physical, or psychosomatic, responses, leading one to feel anxiety in their body. This may present as nausea, tightness in chest, or feelings of tenseness. Diagnoses that may fit under the umbrella of Anxiety Disorders can include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Excoriation, or Trichotillomania. 

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Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. Meanwhile, approximately 7% of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each year. Most people develop symptoms before age 21. Early treatment can be especially important to improve adaptive coping and prevent anxiety symptoms from worsening.