Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

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The symptoms of anxiety are divided into three large areas that are related to each other:

Person holding hands to neck, sweating, pale, unable to breathe, feeling short of breath, short of breath, choking or breathlessness

Physical symptoms. These are caused by the autonomic nervous system, which automatically activates in response to a perceived threat or danger. Common physical symptoms include: shortness of breath or rapid breathing, dizziness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, tremors, muscle tension, sweating, a knot in the stomach or throat, or restlessness, among others.

Person with pessimistic thoughts

Thoughts. Anxiety often changes the way we think, leading to overly negative or catastrophic thoughts. For example, imagining that something bad is going to happen (even if it’s unlikely), or believing that if it does happen, it will be unbearable.  

Emotional support between two women

Behavioural symptoms. When someone feel anxious about a particular situation, their behaviour often changes in response, typically trying to avoid or escape the situation. In some anxiety disorders, people adopt strategies to try to reduce their anxiety. These are known as safety behaviours, meaning they avoid situations that cause them anxiety (like taking the tube) or using coping strategies to ease their discomfort (like going with someone or carrying a lucky charm).

Substantiated information by:

Blanca Garcia Delgar
Eduard Forcadell López
Luisa Lázaro García
Miquel Àngel Fullana Rivas
Sara Lera Miguel

Published: 29 January 2019
Updated: 13 October 2025

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