In this situation, anxiety can add an extra spark to help you get out of danger. Under more normal but busy times, it can give you energy to help you get things done. But sometimes anxiety can be out of control, giving you a sense of dread and fear for no apparent reason. This kind of anxiety is a real problem and can disrupt your life. Anxiety disorders refer to a number of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, which are explained in this handout.
Panic disorder is another type of anxiety.
It occurs when you have episodes of intense fear that start abruptly. These are called panic attacks. Panic attacks feel like your body's alarm system has been triggered when there is no danger. Anxiety disorders can begin during or after a stressful event in your life, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce. Some people say they have been anxious their whole lives.