Medical Encyclopaedia › Anxiety disorder (short definition)
In brief: Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses. A disorder is present when fears occur disproportionately strongly or frequently, last a long time and significantly restrict life – for example because those affected avoid many situations.
Types
In panic disorder, sudden anxiety attacks with a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness and fear of dying occur repeatedly. Agoraphobia is the fear of places or situations from which escape seems difficult, such as crowds, public transport or travelling alone. In generalised anxiety disorder, persistent, barely controllable worries about everyday things predominate, often with tension, restlessness and sleep problems. Social anxiety disorder concerns situations in which one is the centre of attention or could be judged. Specific phobias relate to individual triggers such as animals, heights, injections or flying.
Causes
Anxiety disorders arise from an interplay of hereditary predisposition, learning experiences, stressful life events and stress. They are often maintained by avoidance and safety behaviours: anyone who avoids anxiety-provoking situations feels relieved in the short term but never experiences that the feared catastrophe does not happen. Physical causes such as an overactive thyroid, heart rhythm disorders or substances such as caffeine, drugs and some medicines should be ruled out by a doctor.
Treatment
Anxiety disorders are very treatable. According to the German S3 guideline, the first choice is cognitive behavioural therapy, in which those affected examine their anxious thoughts and gradually face the feared situations through exposure. Psychodynamic psychotherapy can also be used. Of the medicines, certain antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) are particularly effective; they are taken regularly over several months, and their effect only sets in after a few weeks. Tranquillisers from the benzodiazepine group are not recommended for long-term treatment because of the risk of dependence. Psychotherapy and medication can be combined.
Self-help
Knowledge about anxiety and its physical reactions, regular exercise, relaxation techniques and avoiding withdrawal can support treatment. Self-help groups and approved digital health applications offer additional support but do not replace therapy for pronounced symptoms.
When to seek help?
If fears restrict everyday life, work or relationships, or situations are increasingly avoided, a conversation with your GP or a psychotherapy consultation is a good first step. Chest pain and shortness of breath should always be assessed by a doctor when they first occur, as they can also have physical causes. If you have thoughts of not wanting to live any more, seek help immediately – in Germany, for example, via the on-call medical service 116 117 or, in an emergency, 112.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Panic attack, Agoraphobia, Generalised anxiety disorder, Phobia, Safety behaviour, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Exposure therapy, Avoidance behaviour, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Psychotherapy consultation
Sources
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychosomatische Medizin und Ärztliche Psychotherapie (DGPM) u. a.: S3-Leitlinie „Behandlung von Angststörungen“, AWMF-Register 051-028
- Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO): ICD-11, Kapitel „Angst- und furchtbezogene Störungen“
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.