What is an anxiety disorder?

Speaker: Heather Hays, LCSW, CHC's Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services

Heather Hays, LCSW: Hello, everyone. I'm Heather Hayes, licensed clinical social worker and child and adolescent therapist at CHC. What is an anxiety disorder? An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that involves feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that significantly impairs someone's functioning. In other words, the symptoms of an anxiety disorder get in the way of someone living their life in a major way. These symptoms may affect how well someone is able to do in school or work, sleep or eat or even affect their ability to have meaningful relationships. Fear is normal and is an adaptive protective emotion. However, in the case of anxiety disorders the worry and fear can be intense and excessive and can even be about everyday situations. In addition, the feelings of anxiety, worry or panic in an anxiety disorder are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger present and can last a long time. Some people may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. You might hear a reference to generalized anxiety, social anxiety, social phobia, specific phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and separation anxiety. These are all different types of anxiety disorders that people can experience. There are evidence based treatments available for anxiety disorders. If you or someone you know may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, please connect with our care team to figure out how we can be helpful. Thank you and have a great day.