Such nervousness in anticipation of a real situation is normal. But if a person cannot shake unwarranted worries, or the feelings are jarring to the point of avoiding everyday activities, he or she most likely has an anxiety disorder. Chronic, exaggerated worry, tension, and irritability that appear to have no cause or are more intense than the situation warrants. These psychological symptoms often are accompanied by physical signs such as restlessness, trouble falling or staying asleep, headaches, trembling, twitching, muscle tension, or sweating. However, incapacitating or troublesome symptoms warranting treatment may exist for shorter periods of time.
Anxiety is among the most common, most treatable mental disorders.
Effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback to control muscle tension. Medication, most commonly antianxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines and its derivatives, also may be required in some cases. Some commonly prescribed antianxiety medications are diazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam. The nonbenzodiazepine antianxiety medication buspirone can be helpful for some individuals. Some people feel like they are being devoured by fear, going crazy, or that they are surely dying of a heart attack.