Anxiety Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Modern Treatment

Anxiety is a natural emotional response to danger or uncertainty. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, long-lasting, and significantly interferes with everyday life, it is considered an anxiety disorder—one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide.

According to data from the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders affect approximately 4% of the population, and this figure increases significantly during periods of heightened stress. [1]

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorder is a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent, intense worry that is disproportionate to the actual level of threat. It is not just ordinary nervousness — anxiety disorder is a clinical condition that requires professional treatment.

Types of anxiety disorders

There are several main types of anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive worry about a range of different issues. The person is unable to control the worry, and it lasts for at least 6 months. [2]

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social situations in which a person may become the object of evaluation by others.

Panic disorder — sudden, intense panic attacks accompanied by physical symptoms.

Specific phobias — an excessive fear of a particular object or situation (such as heights, enclosed spaces, animals, etc.).

Symptoms of anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders manifest through both psychological and physical symptoms.

Psychological symptoms

Persistent, uncontrollable worry

Catastrophic expectations about the future

Difficulty concentrating

Irritability and restlessness

Constantly thinking about the worst-case scenario

Sleep disturbance — difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Physical symptoms

Rapid heartbeat

Sweating, tremor

Muscle tension, especially in the neck and back area

Headache

Digestive system problems (nausea, diarrhea)

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Causes and risk factors of anxiety

Anxiety disorder is a multifactorial condition. Several factors contribute to its development:

Biological factors: imbalance of neurotransmitters (serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine) and genetic predisposition. If there is a family history of anxiety disorders, the risk increases.

Psychological factors: traumatic experiences in childhood, stressful life events, and a tendency toward perfectionism or catastrophizing in one’s thinking.

Environmental factors: chronic work-related stress, financial difficulties, relationship conflicts, social isolation.

Treatment of anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable conditions. At GSMRC, we use evidence-based approaches:

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard for treating anxiety. This therapy helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns that trigger anxiety. The psychotherapeutic team at GSMRC works according to CBT protocols. [3]

Exposure therapy is particularly effective for phobias and social anxiety. The patient is gradually, in a safe environment, exposed to situations that trigger anxiety.

Mindfulness-based therapy helps a person stay in the present moment and manage the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Medication treatment

If needed, the psychiatrist will prescribe medication therapy:

SSRI/SNRI antidepressants — for long-term management of anxiety (sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine)

Buspirone — a specific anxiolytic that does not cause dependence

Benzodiazepines — only for short-term use in cases of acute anxiety, under strict medical supervision

Important: Medications should be taken only as prescribed by a psychiatrist. Self-medication is dangerous.

Combined approach

Research shows that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the most effective approach for moderate to severe anxiety disorders.

When should you seek help from a specialist?

A consultation with a specialist is necessary if:

Anxiety lasts for more than 2 weeks

You are unable to carry out your daily activities

Your sleep, appetite, or concentration is significantly disturbed

You use alcohol or other substances to “manage” your anxiety

Do you experience panic attacks

Are you experiencing depressive symptoms as well?

Self-help strategies

Alongside professional treatment, these strategies can help you manage anxiety:

Regular physical activity — 30 minutes, 3–5 times per week. Walking, swimming, or yoga helps lower cortisol levels.

4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds

Reducing caffeine and alcohol — both can intensify anxiety symptoms

Sleep hygiene — keeping a regular sleep schedule and turning off screens 1 hour before bedtime

Maintaining social connections — isolation intensifies anxiety

Book a consultation

For the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders:

Phone: +995 32 2 440 550

Address: Togo Gudava Street, Tbilisi

Center: GSMRC — Guga Sikharulidze Mental Health Research Center

Related topics: Generalized Anxiety Disorder · Panic Disorder · Psychiatrist consultation

Source: NIMH — შფოთვითი აშლილობები.

Sources

1. World Health Organization. Anxiety disorders. Geneva: WHO; 2023 (~4% / 301 million). Peer-reviewed basis: GBD 2019 Mental Disorders Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of 12 mental disorders in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019. Lancet Psychiatry. 2022;9(2):137–150. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00395-3

2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: APA; 2022.

3. Carpenter JK, Andrews LA, Witcraft SM, Powers MB, Smits JAJ, Hofmann SG. Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Depress Anxiety. 2018;35(6):502–514. doi:10.1002/da.22728