Anxiety

Plain language

Anxiety becomes a clinical concern when worry is persistent, hard to control, and interferes with daily life.

Scholarly

Anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and specific phobias, characterized by excessive fear and behavioral disturbance (DSM-5-TR).

Common traits

• Excessive worry
• Physical symptoms (heart rate, GI)
• Avoidance
• Sleep disruption

Strengths

• Preparedness
• Conscientiousness
• Empathy

Challenges

• Rumination
• Procrastination from fear
• Physical exhaustion

Myth

Anxiety is just stress.

Fact

Clinical anxiety persists beyond a specific stressor and impairs functioning.

How it may appear in children

• Stomach aches
• School avoidance
• Excessive reassurance-seeking

How it may appear in adults

• Workplace overpreparation
• Avoidance of new opportunities
• Insomnia

Workplace considerations

• Clear expectations
• Predictable communication
• Avoid surprise meetings

Family & caregiver considerations

• Validate without reinforcing avoidance
• Model calm breathing
• Encourage gradual exposure

Faith & community considerations

• Pair faith practices with evidence-based care
• Avoid 'just pray it away' language

Coping strategies

• CBT
• Mindfulness
• Exercise
• Medication when indicated

Possible co-occurring conditions

Many neurodivergent people meet criteria for more than one profile. See the co-occurring conditions guide.