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The duration or severity of feelings of anxiety can sometimes be out of proportion to the original trigger or stressor. Some people may experience this response in difficult social situations or around important events or decisions. Real or perceived danger causes a rush of adrenaline, a hormone and chemical messenger in the brain, which in turn triggers these anxiety reactions in a process called the fight-or-flight response. It can involve cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes. Anxiety and anxiety disordersĪnxiety is a complex response to real or perceived threats. Learn more about anxiety in our dedicated hub. Knowing the difference between typical feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder requiring medical attention can help a person identify and treat the condition. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” However, only 36.9% of people with an anxiety disorder receive treatment. It is the most common group of mental illnesses in the country. Share on Pinterest Vladimir Tsarkov/StocksyĪccording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), around 40 million people in the United States have an anxiety disorder.
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