ABSTRACT
Anxiety is a normal and adaptive response that alerts individuals to danger, and as such, is a universal emotion. Normal anxiety typically occurs in response to an external stressor and terminates with the resolution of the stressor. Anxiety disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders that share persistent anxiety that is more severe than expected, given the situation. The anxiety often results in significant levels of personal distress. Anxiety disorders are frequently co-morbid with another psychiatric disorder, such as major depressive disorder. Somatoform disorders are another type of anxiety disorder often encountered in the primary care setting. Anxiety disorders are classified into categories that reflect distinct subtypes based on their clinical manifestations. Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders in the general population. Panic attacks are characterized by periods of overwhelming anxiety and fear, which come on abruptly for no apparent reason.
