

With GAD, you may feel extreme and unrealistic worry and tension - even if there’s nothing to trigger these feelings. What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? These include post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Other mental health conditions share features with anxiety disorders. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including: It’s also possible that women are less likely to seek treatment, so the anxiety worsens. The hormone testosterone may play a role, too - men have more, and it may ease anxiety. It may come from women’s hormones, especially those that fluctuate throughout the month. Researchers are still studying why that happens. Certain physical conditions, including thyroid problems and heart arrhythmias (unusual heart rhythms).Īnxiety disorders occur more often in women.Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions.Stressful or traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood.Certain personality traits, such as shyness or behavioral inhibition - feeling uncomfortable with, and avoiding, unfamiliar people, situations or environments.You may be at higher risk if you have or had:

Who is at risk for anxiety disorders?Ī mix of genetic and environmental factors can raise a person’s risk for developing anxiety disorders. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

