Adult mental health
Understanding anxiety: symptoms, causes, and clinical treatment
In short: Anxiety can involve worry, fear, panic, physical tension, avoidance, sleep disruption, or difficulty concentrating. A clinician considers duration, triggers, health, functioning, and safety before discussing support.
When anxiety affects daily life
Occasional worry is common. Persistent or intense anxiety may interfere with sleep, work, study, relationships, or leaving home. Physical symptoms can also deserve a medical review.
What an assessment may explore
A clinician may ask about the pattern of symptoms, stressors, medicines, substances, physical health, previous support, and what you hope will change.
Possible next steps
Depending on the assessment, options may include therapy, coping strategies, medication discussion, follow-up, or referral. No webpage can diagnose an anxiety disorder.
See anxiety support information or teleconsultation guidance.