According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 4% of the global population currently suffers from an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health condition. (1)


Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to anxiety. Shocking statistics indicate that at least one-third of Arab children and adolescents (especially in the Gulf region) suffer from anxiety disorders, with the rate reaching up to two-thirds in some countries. (2)


This means that many people struggle in silence without realizing they have an anxiety disorder—perhaps you, a family member, or a close friend may be among them! Learn about the common symptoms and signs of anxiety, and seek treatment if these symptoms apply to you.


What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress or perceived danger. It is characterized by feelings of nervousness, worry, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms. While occasional anxiety is normal, anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become persistent, overwhelming, and interfere with daily life.

Symptoms and Signs of Anxiety Disorder

Experiencing persistent and excessive worry about everyday matters or a specific issue, with difficulty controlling these feelings, can significantly impact your life, relationships, and mental well-being. Anxiety symptoms include: (3)

Psychological Symptoms:

  • Excessive and persistent worry or fear about daily matters or a specific concern.
  • Difficulty controlling anxious thoughts.
  • Feeling that anxiety is overwhelming and unbearable.
  • Inability to relax due to constant nervousness.
  • Trouble focusing or concentrating.
  • Irritability and heightened emotional sensitivity.
  • Intense fear of the future.
  • Feeling like others notice and judge your anxiety.
  • Worrying about the anxiety itself, such as fear of experiencing a panic attack.
  • Frequently seeking reassurance from others.
  • Mood swings and symptoms of depression.
  • Persistent thoughts about past negative experiences or overanalyzing situations unnecessarily.
  • Occasionally feeling disconnected from reality.


Physical Symptoms:

  • Nausea or stomach pain.
  • Dizziness.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Shortness of breath or hyperventilation.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Restlessness and difficulty staying still.
  • Headaches, back pain, and muscle aches.
  • Teeth grinding, especially at night while sleeping.
  • Changes in urination frequency (either too frequent or too little).
  • Panic attacks.


A Patient’s Experience with Anxiety

"I’ve always been an anxious person, constantly overthinking everything around me. I worried about my grades in school, making my family proud, and of course, my future. I never learned how to relax—I only learned how to put more pressure on myself. Eventually, this pressure led to a severe anxiety attack. I couldn’t sleep at all at night, my heart was racing, my throat was dry, and my whole body was trembling uncontrollably."

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, all characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry: (4)

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent anxiety about multiple aspects of life, making daily activities difficult.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of being around strangers or social situations where one might be judged.
  • Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks, either unexpectedly or triggered by a specific fear.
  • Specific Phobias: Extreme fear of a specific object or situation, such as flying, needles, blood, germs, insects, or spiders.
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being separated from loved ones, which can occur in both childhood and adulthood.
  • Agoraphobia: Fear of leaving home or being in places where escape might be difficult, especially public or open spaces.


Normal Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorder: What’s the Difference?

We all feel anxious from time to time—before a job interview, an exam, or moving to a new home—and that is completely normal!

However, the key difference between ordinary anxiety and an anxiety disorder is in its duration and impact. If anxiety persists for a long time, dominates your life, and prevents you from functioning normally, then it’s time to consult a mental health professional. (5)




Seek Help!

Although highly effective treatments are available for anxiety disorders, only 1 in 4 people suffering from anxiety receives treatment.

If you or a loved one experience persistent anxiety symptoms that disrupt daily life—whether at work, school, or in social relationships—it’s time to seek help from a mental health specialist.


At Al-Ahli Hospital, our psychiatry department provides the support you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!




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