Anxiety disorders: symptoms, types and treatment
Updated · Editorial principles and sources
In brief
An anxiety disorder means anxiety that is persistent, out of proportion to the actual threat and disrupts daily life, work or relationships. The most common types are generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias. They are treatable: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has strong research evidence, and a doctor assesses whether medication is needed.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal emotion that warns of danger and helps prepare for challenging situations. An anxiety disorder is present when anxiety is persistent, disproportionate, and significantly impairs daily life.
Types of anxiety disorders
| Disorder | Key feature | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) | Constant worry about many things | See glossary |
| Social anxiety disorder | Fear of being judged | See guide |
| Panic disorder | Sudden panic attacks | See glossary |
| Phobias | Disproportionate fear of a specific thing | See glossary |
| Health anxiety | Fear of serious illness | See glossary |
| Performance anxiety | Anxiety in performance situations | See glossary |
Physical symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety is not only in the mind - it also strongly affects the body. The body reacts to anxiety with the same fight-or-flight response as to real danger. The same symptoms, such as chest pain and breathlessness, can also have a physical cause: if symptoms are new or severe, see a doctor, or call 112 in an emergency.
- Heart palpitations and chest pain
- Shortness of breath and hyperventilation
- Muscle tension, headaches, and back pain
- Stomach issues, nausea
- Sweating, trembling, dizziness
- Sleep difficulties
Treatment methods for anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Strong research evidence in treating anxiety disorders. CBT helps identify and change thoughts and behaviours that maintain anxiety. Includes exposure exercises for feared situations.
Medication
A doctor always assesses the need for medication. Medication can be used alone or alongside psychotherapy. Do not start, change or stop medication without a doctor's advice.
Self-care
Regular exercise, adequate sleep, mindfulness and relaxation exercises, reducing caffeine and alcohol. Self-care doesn't replace professional help, but supports recovery.
How to seek help for anxiety?
- Recognize symptoms
If anxiety is constant, limits your daily life or causes strong physical symptoms, it is worth seeking an assessment. Only a professional can assess whether it is an anxiety disorder. - Visit a doctor
A health centre, occupational health or private doctor assesses your situation and makes a diagnosis if appropriate. For Kela therapy you later need a psychiatrist's B-statement. - Find a suitable therapist
A therapist specializing in anxiety, preferably CBT-trained. You can search therapist directories by specialty. They are collected on the Where to find a therapist page. - Apply for Kela reimbursement
Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy covers part of the cost if the disorder threatens your ability to work or study, has been treated for at least 3 months, and a psychiatrist has written a B-statement.
Listen
A short selection of Finnish-language podcasts from reputable publishers. They do not replace treatment. Some episodes may discuss self-harm.
Yle Areena
Melkein kaikki mielestä
A podcast hosted by Roosa Rahkonen where guests share their own mental health struggles; expert episodes feature a psychotherapist and a doctor.
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