Anxiety is a universal experience, from pre-test jitters to stage fright, often motivating preparation and focus. But when feelings of fear or turmoil become overwhelming and disrupt daily life, they may signal an anxiety disorder, medical experts warn.
In the U.S., anxiety disorders affect roughly one in three adults at some point, with lifetime prevalence estimated at 26.4% for men and 40.4% for women. During pregnancy and postpartum, rates can reach 10.5% and 10.8%, respectively.
While symptoms often begin in childhood or early adulthood, they may decline with age. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends anxiety screening for all adults up to 65, including those who are pregnant or postpartum.
Two psychiatrists shared insights on recognizing and managing anxiety disorders in the latest AMA “What Doctors Wish Patients Knew™” series.
Dr. Nicolas Fletcher, psychiatry resident and APA board member, emphasized that about 12% to 15% of people receive formal diagnoses, though the actual prevalence may exceed 25%. He highlighted age-related trends in anxiety disorders: separation anxiety in children, social anxiety in adolescents, obsessive-compulsive disorder in young adults, panic disorders in early adulthood, and generalized anxiety emerging in the 30s.
Dr. Sandra Swantek, a geriatric psychiatrist, noted that irritability, emotional lability, procrastination, and persistent worry are often overlooked symptoms that can affect relationships, work, and overall well-being. Untreated anxiety can lead to depression, cardiovascular problems, worsened chronic pain, and risky coping behaviors such as substance misuse.
Proper diagnosis is essential. Clinicians may use the DSM-5-TR, the GAD-7 scale for adults 19–65, or other specialized tools for older adults. Understanding triggers, recognizing avoidance behaviors, and knowing when to seek help are critical steps in managing anxiety effectively.
Non-drug strategies remain a first-line approach. Dr. Swantek recommends deep breathing exercises—slow inhalation, brief hold, and extended exhalation—as well as regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, tai chi, or yoga. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered the primary psychotherapeutic intervention, while medications like serotonin reuptake inhibitors are reserved for cases where therapy alone is insufficient. Benzodiazepines are discouraged except for short-term use due to dependency and safety risks.
“Anxiety doesn’t develop overnight, and neither does recovery,” Dr. Fletcher said. “Even with treatment, it can take months or years to understand triggers and regain control.”
Both experts stressed that early recognition, professional guidance, and consistent self-care can help people manage anxiety disorders and improve quality of life.
