Women and Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear about 

an event or situation. It is a normal reaction to stress. 

Anxiety can help you stay alert for a challenging situation 

at work, study harder for an exam, or remain focused on 

an important speech. In general, it helps you cope. When it 

becomes hard to control and affects your day-to-day life, it 

can be disabling. 

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders happen when excessive anxiety interferes 

with your everyday activities such as going to work or school 

or spending time with friends or family. Anxiety disorders are 

serious mental illnesses.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders 

in the United States. They affect up to 40 million American 

adults each year. Women are more than twice as likely as 

men to develop an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety 

disorders are highly treatable, yet less than 37% of those 

suffering are treated.

What are the major types of anxiety disorders? 

There are several major types of anxiety disorders. They all 

have their own traits and impact people in distinct ways. 

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes excessive 

worry about regular aspects of life, like family or income. 

It can happen daily and make it hard to get through the 

day or sleep at night. GAD and major depression often 

occur together.

• Panic disorder involves frequent and sudden panic 

attacks, which are unexpected feelings of terror that 

happen without warning. Panic attacks can occur when 

there is no direct danger.

• Phobias are a strong fear of something of little to no 

threat. This can include traveling by air or being around 

a large group of people.

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders? 

Anxiety disorders come with a mix of symptoms. They can 

vary by person and the type of anxiety disorder you have. 

Symptoms can also impact how you live and spend time 

with others.

There are many symptoms of anxiety. The symptoms below 

are shared across several types of anxiety disorders: 

• Anxious thoughts or beliefs

• Feelings of fear and dread

• Physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat or nausea

• Changes in behavior like avoiding previous 

normal activities

What causes anxiety disorders? 

Several factors can increase the risk of developing an anxiety 

disorder. They can vary from one woman to another. A few 

common risk factors include: 

• Traumatic events in childhood or adulthood

• Hormonal changes during one’s menstrual cycle

• A family history of anxiety or other mental disorders

What are common treatment options?

For some people, treatment can help ease anxiety 

symptoms. There are several types of treatments for 

anxiety available to help you manage your symptoms 

every day, such as: 

• Counseling (psychotherapy or talk therapy)

This form of treatment includes talking with a trained 

mental health professional. Together, you can work 

through managing your anxiety.

• Medicine

Medicine does not cure anxiety disorders but can 

help relieve symptoms. Health care providers can 

prescribe medicines for anxiety. The most common 

classes of medicines used to combat anxiety disorders 

are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicines (such as 

benzodiazepines), and beta-blockers.

Talk with your health care provider to find out what 

treatment is right for you. You should also talk with your 

provider about the risks, benefits, and side effects before 

you start or stop a medical treatment.

FDA Office of Women’s Health

www.fda.gov/womens 
How does my physical health affect 

my mental health? 

People who are not physically healthy may have trouble 

staying mentally healthy. People living with chronic 

(long-term) health problems such as diabetes or heart 

disease are often more likely to have higher levels of stress 

and anxiety. Having a chronic disease does not always mean 

you will have a mental health condition like an anxiety 

disorder, but if you are struggling with both, know that you 

are not alone. Support groups and health care professionals 

can help. Healthy eating and other healthy habits, like 

exercise, yoga, or meditation can help improve physical 

health and reduce anxiety.

What should you do if you think you 

have an anxiety disorder? 

Set up a visit to see a health care provider.

At this visit, your primary care doctor will conduct an initial 

mental health screening. From there, they can refer you to 

a mental health specialist.

Get involved in your care. Be open about your symptoms 

and listen to your options. Give your input on the options 

you feel could be a good fit for you. 

Turn to people you trust for support. As you navigate life 

with an anxiety disorder, it helps to have people in your life 

that you trust. Find friends and support groups that you 

know will listen to your concerns and help you through 

tough times. 

Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 if you 

have immediate concerns about your mental health.

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for 

people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for 

you or your loved ones in the United States. Call 911 if you 

or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the 

nearest emergency room.

What do you need to know about anxiety 

disorders and pregnancy? 

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, are pregnant, 

or are breastfeeding, you should talk with your health care 

provider about any medicines you may take for anxiety. 

Some medicines can affect your unborn baby, but untreated 

mental health conditions can also affect an unborn baby. 

Some medicines may also pass to your baby through breast 

milk. Talk with your provider about what treatments are safe 

for you and your baby.

During pregnancy or as a new mother, you may feel 

overwhelmed at times. Mental health support and resources 

are available through the National Maternal Mental Health 

Hotline. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call or 

text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). 

Talk with your health care provider about all medical 

treatment options. Discuss their risks and benefits. Your 

provider can answer all your questions Together, you can 

decide which treatment is right for you.

Women and Anxiety

This fact sheet was developed by the FDA Office of Women’s Health. This information is for educational 

purposes, not all inclusive, and should not be used in place of talking with your health care provider.

To learn more about women and anxiety, go to: 

www.fda.gov/womens

May 2023