It is estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from anxiety.

Everyone feels anxious at one time or another.  It can be caused by such things as a job interview, traveling to a new place, moving into a new home, taking a test, etc.  These types of anxiety are signals for the body to get ready to handle extraordinary situations that require extra effort.  This kind of anxiety can be helpful.

On the other hand, anxiety disorders are unhealthy and can occur when anxiety runs out of control.  These disorders can terrify and immobilize you.  They are like false signals that unrelentingly alert you to a danger that doesn't materialize.  In contrast to depression, which often is backward looking, anxiety tends to be focused on the future.  Anxiety differs from fear, because anxiety is a feeling of tension surrounding a perceived threat of danger as opposed to fear, when the threat of danger is known.

Characteristics of anxiety may include headache, sweating, tightness in the chest, racing or pounding heart or a pit in the stomach.  Severe anxiety may put you into a state of terror.

Research shows strong evidence that anxiety has a genetic basis.  Females are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety as males.  It is possible for you to have more than one anxiety disorder.  Frequently, anxiety suffers also are depressed. 

Learn about the Attitude Adjustment formula.