15 Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders You Should Know

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. While feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life, anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with anxiety disorders, the anxiety does not go away and can worsen over time, significantly interfering with daily activities, work performance, and relationships.

Understanding the symptoms of anxiety disorders is the first step toward recognizing when you or someone you care about may need professional help. Anxiety manifests differently in each person, with symptoms ranging from physical sensations to emotional distress and behavioral changes. This comprehensive guide explores 15 common symptoms that characterize anxiety disorders, helping you identify what anxiety feels like and when it might be time to seek support.

1. Excessive Worrying

Excessive worrying is perhaps the most defining symptom of anxiety disorders. This isn’t just occasional concern about specific situations—it’s persistent, overwhelming worry that occurs on most days for at least six months and is difficult to control.

People with anxiety disorders find themselves worrying about everyday situations, events, and activities to an extent that’s disproportionate to the actual impact of these situations. The worrying is often accompanied by feelings that something bad will happen, even when there’s no logical reason for such concern. This constant state of apprehension can be mentally exhausting and interfere with concentration, decision-making, and the ability to enjoy life.

The worry tends to jump from one concern to another and can involve health, family, work, finances, or seemingly minor matters like being late or household chores. What distinguishes anxiety disorder from normal worry is the intensity, duration, and the fact that it occurs even when there’s little or nothing to provoke it.

2. Restlessness and Feeling On Edge

Restlessness is a common physical manifestation of anxiety that makes people feel like they cannot relax or sit still. You might feel constantly “keyed up” or on edge, as if something is about to go wrong at any moment.

This symptom often presents as:

• An inability to sit still or relax
• Fidgeting, pacing, or feeling the need to constantly move
• A sensation of nervous energy running through your body
• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities or moments of stillness
• Feeling jumpy or easily startled

This persistent restlessness can be frustrating and exhausting, leaving you feeling drained even though you haven’t engaged in physically demanding activities. It can also make it difficult to focus on tasks or enjoy leisure time, as your body and mind seem unable to settle into a calm state.

3. Rapid Heart Rate and Palpitations

One of the most alarming physical symptoms of anxiety is a rapid or pounding heartbeat, also known as heart palpitations. During periods of heightened anxiety or anxiety attacks, your heart may feel like it’s racing, beating irregularly, or pounding so hard that you can feel it in your chest, throat, or neck.

This symptom occurs because anxiety triggers your body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline that increase heart rate to prepare your body to deal with perceived danger. While this response is helpful in truly dangerous situations, in anxiety disorders it activates inappropriately or excessively.

Heart palpitations can be particularly frightening because they may make you worry that something is seriously wrong with your heart. Many people experiencing anxiety-related palpitations end up in emergency rooms, concerned they’re having a heart attack. While it’s always important to rule out cardiac issues with a healthcare provider, in most cases, these palpitations are harmless manifestations of anxiety.

4. Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath is a frightening symptom that commonly accompanies anxiety disorders, particularly during anxiety attacks. You might feel like you can’t get enough air, that your breathing is restricted, or that you need to take deep breaths but can’t quite catch your breath.

This symptom often results from hyperventilation—breathing too quickly or deeply—which is common during anxiety episodes. Ironically, when you feel you’re not getting enough air, you may actually be breathing too much, which disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood and can cause symptoms like:

• Chest tightness or pressure
• A feeling of suffocation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Tingling in the fingers or around the mouth

The fear of not being able to breathe can create a vicious cycle where anxiety about breathing difficulties causes more anxiety, which worsens the breathing problems. Learning breathing techniques can help manage this symptom effectively.

5. Fatigue and Exhaustion

Chronic fatigue is a surprisingly common symptom of anxiety disorders that many people don’t immediately associate with anxiety. You might feel tired all the time, lacking energy even after a full night’s sleep, or experiencing exhaustion that seems disproportionate to your level of physical activity.

Several factors contribute to anxiety-related fatigue:

• The constant state of hypervigilance and worry is mentally and physically draining
• Muscle tension throughout the body requires energy to maintain
• Sleep disturbances common in anxiety disorders prevent restorative rest
• The physiological stress response, when activated chronically, depletes the body’s resources
• Mental exhaustion from racing thoughts and constant worry

This fatigue can be debilitating, making it difficult to fulfill daily responsibilities, maintain social relationships, or engage in activities you once enjoyed. It’s not simply feeling sleepy—it’s a deep exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.

6. Difficulty Concentrating

Concentration problems are a hallmark cognitive symptom of anxiety disorders. You might find your mind going blank, have trouble focusing on tasks, or feel like your thoughts are scattered and impossible to organize. This symptom is sometimes described as “brain fog.”

When anxiety occupies your mind with worries and fears, there’s less mental capacity available for focusing on the task at hand. Your attention gets pulled repeatedly back to your anxious thoughts, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on work, conversations, reading, or other activities that require sustained attention.

This can manifest as:

• Difficulty following conversations or remembering what was said
• Reading the same paragraph multiple times without comprehending it
• Making careless mistakes at work or school
• Forgetting appointments or tasks
• Feeling mentally “foggy” or unclear
• Taking much longer to complete tasks than usual

The frustration of not being able to concentrate can itself become a source of additional anxiety, creating another problematic cycle.

7. Muscle Tension and Pain

Chronic muscle tension is one of the most persistent physical symptoms of anxiety disorders. You might experience tightness, soreness, or pain in various muscle groups throughout your body, most commonly in the neck, shoulders, back, and jaw.

When you’re anxious, your body instinctively tenses up as part of the stress response. When anxiety is chronic, this tension becomes ongoing, leading to:

• Tension headaches
• Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems from clenching
• Neck and shoulder stiffness
• Back pain
• General muscle soreness throughout the body

Many people with anxiety disorders become so accustomed to muscle tension that they don’t realize how tense they are until they consciously try to relax or someone points it out. This chronic tension can lead to additional problems like reduced mobility, increased pain sensitivity, and fatigue. Physical therapy, massage, progressive muscle relaxation, and other techniques can help address this symptom.

8. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep problems are extremely common in anxiety disorders and can take various forms. You might have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience restless, unsatisfying sleep that leaves you feeling unrested.

Anxiety and sleep have a bidirectional relationship—anxiety can cause sleep problems, and lack of sleep can worsen anxiety symptoms. Common sleep disturbances in anxiety disorders include:

• Lying awake with racing thoughts, unable to “turn off” your mind
• Taking a long time to fall asleep due to worry
• Waking up multiple times during the night
• Waking up very early and being unable to go back to sleep
• Experiencing nightmares or anxiety-provoking dreams
• Tossing and turning throughout the night
• Feeling tired despite sleeping for adequate hours

The bedroom can become associated with anxiety about not sleeping, creating a conditioned response where getting into bed triggers anxious thoughts. Poor sleep quality exacerbates other anxiety symptoms like irritability, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue, making overall anxiety management more challenging.

9. Gastrointestinal Problems

The connection between anxiety and the digestive system is powerful, often referred to as the “gut-brain connection.” Many people with anxiety disorders experience significant gastrointestinal symptoms that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Common digestive symptoms associated with anxiety include:

• Nausea or feeling sick to your stomach
• Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
• Constipation
• Stomach pain, cramping, or discomfort
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Loss of appetite or increased appetite
• Feeling of “butterflies” in the stomach

These symptoms occur because anxiety activates the stress response, which affects digestive function. Blood flow is redirected away from the digestive system toward muscles, digestive processes slow down or speed up, and the gut becomes more sensitive. For some people, digestive symptoms are the primary way anxiety manifests, and they may not immediately recognize these physical symptoms as related to anxiety.

10. Sweating and Hot Flashes

Excessive sweating is a common and often embarrassing symptom of anxiety disorders. You might experience sweating even when you’re not physically active or in a warm environment, or notice sudden hot flashes that leave you feeling overheated and uncomfortable.

This symptom occurs because the anxiety response activates your sympathetic nervous system, which controls sweating among other functions. The sweating may be generalized across your body or localized to specific areas such as:

• Palms of the hands
• Soles of the feet
• Underarms
• Forehead and face

The sweating can range from mild dampness to profuse perspiration that soaks through clothing. Many people with anxiety become self-conscious about visible sweating, which can trigger additional anxiety—particularly in social situations. This creates another anxiety cycle where worry about sweating can actually cause more sweating. The physical discomfort combined with social embarrassment makes this symptom particularly distressing for many people.

11. Trembling or Shaking

Trembling, shaking, or feeling shaky is a physical manifestation of anxiety that can affect various parts of your body. You might notice trembling in your hands, legs, voice, or feel an internal shakiness throughout your body, even if it’s not visible to others.

This symptom results from the surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones released during the anxiety response. These hormones prepare your body for action by increasing muscle tension and energy, which can manifest as trembling. The shaking may be:

• Fine tremors in the hands that make tasks like writing or drinking from a cup difficult
• Leg trembling that makes you feel unsteady
• A quivering voice when speaking
• An internal sensation of shaking or vibrating
• Whole-body trembling during severe anxiety or panic attacks

Like many anxiety symptoms, trembling can be distressing because it’s often visible to others, which may increase self-consciousness and social anxiety. The fear of trembling in social or professional situations can become an additional source of worry.

12. Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or unsteady is a disorienting symptom that many people with anxiety disorders experience. You might feel like the room is spinning, like you might faint, or experience a floating sensation or feeling disconnected from your surroundings.

Several anxiety-related mechanisms can cause dizziness:

• Hyperventilation changes blood chemistry, affecting oxygen delivery to the brain
• Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can affect blood flow
• Changes in blood pressure during anxiety responses
• Heightened sensory awareness making you overly conscious of balance and spatial orientation

Dizziness can be particularly frightening because it may make you fear losing control, falling, or fainting—even though fainting from anxiety alone is actually quite rare. The fear of dizziness can lead to avoidance behaviors where you limit activities or avoid situations where you’ve previously felt dizzy, potentially leading to increasing restrictions in your life.

13. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain or tightness is one of the most alarming symptoms of anxiety and is a common reason people seek emergency medical care. The pain may feel like pressure, tightness, sharp stabbing sensations, or a dull ache in the chest area.

Anxiety-related chest pain typically results from:

• Muscle tension in the chest wall
• Hyperventilation
• Increased awareness of heartbeat
• Esophageal spasms triggered by stress

While anxiety can cause real chest discomfort, it’s crucial to distinguish anxiety-related chest pain from cardiac events. Anxiety chest pain often:

• Occurs during or after stressful situations
• Is sharp or stabbing rather than crushing
• Stays localized rather than radiating to arms or jaw
• Improves with relaxation techniques
• Comes and goes rather than progressively worsening

However, if you experience chest pain, especially for the first time, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to rule out cardiac issues. Once cardiac problems have been excluded, recognizing chest pain as an anxiety symptom can help reduce the fear associated with it.

14. Irritability and Mood Changes

Increased irritability is a commonly overlooked symptom of anxiety disorders. You might find yourself feeling easily annoyed, frustrated, or angered by minor inconveniences that wouldn’t normally bother you. Your temper might be shorter than usual, and you may snap at loved ones or colleagues more frequently.

This irritability stems from multiple sources:

• The constant state of stress and hyperarousal leaves you with less patience
• Sleep deprivation from anxiety-related insomnia affects mood regulation
• Mental exhaustion from constant worrying reduces your ability to cope with daily frustrations
• Physical discomfort from other anxiety symptoms creates underlying tension
• Feeling out of control of your anxiety can manifest as irritability

Anxiety-related irritability can strain relationships, as friends, family, and coworkers may not understand why you seem so on edge. You might feel guilty about your irritability, which can create additional anxiety. In women, anxiety symptoms including irritability are sometimes more pronounced and may be misattributed to hormonal changes or dismissed as moodiness.

15. Fear of Losing Control or “Going Crazy”

A profound fear of losing control, going crazy, or losing your mind is a psychological symptom that many people with anxiety disorders experience, particularly during severe anxiety or panic attacks. You might feel like you’re losing touch with reality, that you can’t control your thoughts or actions, or that you’re on the verge of a mental breakdown.

This symptom can manifest as:

• Intense fear that you’re losing your mind
• Worry that you’ll do something embarrassing or dangerous
• Fear of losing control of your body or actions
• Sensation of unreality or detachment from yourself (depersonalization or derealization)
• Intrusive thoughts that make you question your sanity
• Fear that the anxiety itself will cause permanent psychological damage

It’s important to understand that these fears, while terrifying, are symptoms of anxiety rather than signs that you’re actually losing your mind. People with anxiety disorders do not “go crazy” or lose control, even though it may feel that way during intense anxiety episodes. The fear itself is a manifestation of anxiety’s tendency to catastrophize and imagine worst-case scenarios. Recognizing this symptom as part of anxiety, rather than evidence of impending insanity, can help reduce its power and intensity.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders don’t have a single cause but rather develop from a complex interaction of multiple factors. Understanding what causes anxiety can help in recognizing risk factors and seeking appropriate support.

Genetic Factors: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. If you have close relatives with anxiety disorders, you may have a higher risk of developing anxiety yourself. However, having a genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop an anxiety disorder.

Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters—chemical messengers in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—play a role in anxiety disorders. These chemicals regulate mood, stress response, and emotional reactions.

Environmental Stressors: Significant life stresses can trigger or worsen anxiety disorders. These may include:

• Trauma or abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
• Death of a loved one
• Divorce or relationship problems
• Job loss or financial difficulties
• Major life transitions
• Chronic stress from work, school, or family

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause or exacerbate anxiety symptoms, including:

• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism)
• Heart conditions
• Diabetes
• Chronic pain conditions
• Respiratory disorders
• Hormonal imbalances

Substance Use: The use or withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, caffeine, or certain medications can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms. Substance abuse can also co-occur with anxiety disorders, sometimes as an attempt to self-medicate.

Personality Factors: Certain personality traits and thinking patterns may increase vulnerability to anxiety disorders, such as perfectionism, need for control, negative thinking patterns, or low self-esteem.

Childhood Experiences: Adverse childhood experiences, including neglect, abuse, witnessing violence, or growing up with overly anxious or critical caregivers, can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders later in life.

Prevention Strategies for Anxiety Disorders

While not all anxiety disorders can be prevented, especially when genetic or biological factors are involved, there are strategies that can reduce your risk or minimize the severity of anxiety symptoms.

Early Intervention: Seeking help at the first signs of anxiety can prevent symptoms from worsening and developing into a full anxiety disorder. Don’t wait until anxiety is severely impacting your life before reaching out for support.

Stress Management: Developing healthy stress management techniques can build resilience against anxiety:

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation
• Engage in regular physical activity, which naturally reduces stress hormones
• Maintain a balanced schedule that includes time for rest and enjoyable activities
• Set realistic goals and priorities rather than overcommitting

Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Physical health significantly impacts mental health:

• Get adequate, quality sleep (7-9 hours for most adults)
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen anxiety
• Avoid recreational drugs
• Stay physically active with regular exercise

Social Connection: Strong social support networks provide protection against anxiety. Maintain relationships with friends and family, participate in community activities, and don’t isolate yourself when you’re feeling stressed.

Cognitive Strategies: How you think affects how you feel. Learning to identify and challenge negative thought patterns can reduce anxiety:

• Question catastrophic thinking
• Practice self-compassion rather than self-criticism
• Focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t
• Keep perspective on worries by asking if they’ll matter in five years

Limit Media Consumption: Constant exposure to negative news and social media can increase anxiety. Set boundaries around media consumption and take regular digital detoxes.

Develop Coping Skills: Build a toolkit of healthy coping mechanisms you can use when stress arises, such as journaling, creative expression, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

Address Underlying Issues: If you’ve experienced trauma or have unresolved emotional issues, working with a mental health professional to address these can prevent them from developing into anxiety disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?

Normal anxiety is occasional, proportionate to the situation, and temporary—it comes and goes based on circumstances. An anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that occurs most days for at least six months, is difficult to control, causes significant distress, and interferes with daily functioning even when there’s little or no reason for concern.

How do I know if I have an anxiety disorder?

If you experience persistent worry, fear, or physical symptoms of anxiety that last for several months, interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities, and feel difficult to control, you may have an anxiety disorder. A mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis through evaluation of your symptoms, history, and how anxiety impacts your life.

What does an anxiety attack feel like?

An anxiety attack typically involves sudden, intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. You may experience rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of losing control, and fear of dying. Physical symptoms can be so intense that many people believe they’re having a medical emergency.

Are anxiety symptoms different in women compared to men?

While core anxiety symptoms are similar across genders, women may be more likely to experience certain symptoms or express anxiety differently. Women more commonly report physical symptoms like fatigue, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and may be more likely to seek help for anxiety. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also influence anxiety symptoms in women.

Can anxiety cause physical symptoms even when I don’t feel mentally anxious?

Yes, absolutely. Many people experience physical symptoms of anxiety—such as headaches, digestive problems, muscle tension, or fatigue—without consciously feeling worried or anxious. Sometimes physical symptoms are the primary manifestation of anxiety, and you may not recognize the mental/emotional component until it’s pointed out.

What causes anxiety attacks to come on suddenly?

Anxiety attacks can be triggered by specific situations, stressors, or phobias, but they can also occur seemingly “out of the blue” without an obvious trigger. They may be caused by accumulated stress, certain physical sensations that trigger fear, hyperventilation, caffeine or other substances, lack of sleep, or a sensitized nervous system that overreacts to normal bodily sensations.

When should I seek professional help for anxiety?

You should seek professional help if anxiety persists for several weeks or months, significantly interferes with your work, school, relationships, or daily activities, causes you to avoid situations or activities, leads to physical symptoms that concern you, or if you’re using alcohol or drugs to cope. It’s also important to seek help if anxiety is affecting your quality of life or causing significant distress.

Can anxiety disorders be cured?

While “cure” may not be the right term, anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and many people recover completely or learn to manage symptoms effectively so they don’t interfere with daily life. Treatment typically involves therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. With appropriate treatment, most people with anxiety disorders can significantly reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Is it possible to have more than one anxiety disorder?

Yes, it’s common for people to have more than one type of anxiety disorder simultaneously. For example, someone might have generalized anxiety disorder along with social anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can also co-occur with other mental health conditions like depression.

Can children have anxiety disorders?

Yes, anxiety disorders can develop in childhood. Children may show anxiety through behavioral changes, physical complaints like stomachaches, sleep problems, irritability, clinginess, or avoidance of school or social situations. Early identification and treatment are important for preventing anxiety from impacting development and continuing into adulthood.

References:

• National Institute of Mental Health – Anxiety Disorders
• Mayo Clinic – Anxiety Disorders
• NHS – Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• American Psychological Association – Anxiety
• Healthdirect Australia – Anxiety
• MedlinePlus – Anxiety