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.
Other people suddenly become anxious without being able to point to a reason. Anxiety may also be related to a side effect of a medicine or to an illness. Anxiety disorders often run in families. Talk to your family doctor if you think you have a problem with anxiety. He or she can help you form a plan to develop skills to cope with your anxiety.