Expert Q&A: Anxiety Disorders

Find answers to your questions about anxiety disorders written by leading psychiatrists.

Social Anxiety: More Than Just Shy or Self-Conscious

• Anxiety, Children and Youth, Patients and Families

Most people worry about what other people think about them sometimes: “Do I look okay?” “Did what I just say make sense?” But for some people, these thoughts can be intense, troubling and persistent.

New Patient Guide for Mood and Anxiety Disorders Available to the Public

A new book developed by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides readers with the evidence-based knowledge and tools to understand mood disorders and make informed decisions toward lasting mental health and wellbeing.

New Study Documents Increased Anxiety Among Black Emerging Adults from Exposure to Police Violence

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent disorders for Black emerging adults 18 to 29 years of age in America. Frequent exposure to police violence among Black emerging adults puts this population at risk for increased rates of anxiety disorders, according to a new study from researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting, held online.

Autism, Anxiety and Sensory Challenges

• Anxiety, Autism, Patients and Families

Anxiety disorders are common in children and adolescents, and sensory reactivity is also common among young children. Both conditions are more common in children with autism than children without autism. Researchers are exploring the connections and relationships between these conditions.

Therapy Dogs: Easing Children’s Fears in the ER

• Children and Youth, Patients and Families

A visit to the emergency room is often fraught with pain, fear and anxiety, and it can be especially difficult for children. New research finds that having a therapy dog in the emergency department can help ease the anxiety and distress for children.

What are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect more than 25 million Americans.

How to Recognize Depression and Anxiety in Young Athletes and How to Help

• Anxiety, Children and Youth, Depression, Patients and Families

Youth sports can be an incredibly rewarding experience for kids, teaching them valuable life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and hard work. However, youth athletes also can struggle with anxiety and depression. As a parent, knowing the signs of these conditions can help you support your child's well-being. In this blog, we'll explore how to recognize depression and anxiety in young athletes and offer guidance on how to best help your child.

Expert Q&A: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Expert Q and A on Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an anxiety disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions).

Current Events on Americans Minds, Pre/Post 2024 Election

• Anxiety, Patients and Families

As part of its ongoing Healthy Minds Monthly series, the American Psychiatric Association fielded poll questions Nov. 16-17 on Americans’ anxiety regarding nine topics in current events, and compared those results to a prior poll fielded Aug. 16-17, 2024.

Inflation and a Recession Are Top Anxiety-Inducing Current Events Polled Since June

Gun violence. A recession. Climate change. The Russia-Ukraine war. The midterm elections. While the majority of Americans are anxious about each of these issues, one topic in the news rose above the rest last year: inflation.

Anxiety Disorders

Learn about anxiety disorders, including symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and answers to your questions.