Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel nervous when faced with stressful situations, such as managing problems at work, home, or in school. Anxiety can become problematic when people experience constant and overwhelming worry and fear.

Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including genetics and environmental stress. Researchers have discovered people with anxiety disorders often have chemical imbalances in the brain that involve the way the nerve cells “communicate” with each other. Finally, life stress, especially at an early age, can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.