Anxiety Management Articles & Coping Strategies

Relationship Anxiety: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What Actually Helps

Relationship anxiety is persistent worry, doubt, or fear about a romantic relationship that interferes with connection, trust, or daily life. It can stem from insecure attachment patterns, past trauma, an underlying anxiety disorder, or relationship dynamics.

Valerian Root for Anxiety: Weak Evidence, Safety Concerns, and Alternatives

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis, the underground stem and rhizome) is a traditional herbal supplement marketed for sleep and mild anxiety. Evidence for anxiety is weak and inconclusive per a 2006 Cochrane systematic review (Miyasaka).

Agoraphobia: DSM-5 Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment

Agoraphobia is a DSM-5 anxiety disorder (code 300.22) marked by intense fear of at least two of five situation types (public transport, open spaces, enclosed spaces, crowds or lines, being outside the home alone) where the person fears escape might be difficult or help unavailabl

Health Anxiety (Illness Anxiety Disorder): DSM-5, Symptoms, and Treatment

Health anxiety, formally called Illness Anxiety Disorder (DSM-5 code 300.7) or Somatic Symptom Disorder (300.

Specific Phobia: DSM-5 Definition, Subtypes, and Evidence-Based Treatment

Specific phobia (DSM-5 code 300.29) is a marked, persistent fear of a particular object or situation that is disproportionate to actual danger, actively avoided or endured with intense anxiety, and causes significant distress or functional impairment for at least six months.

Work Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Evidence-Based Treatment

Anxiety and Heart Palpitations: Causes, Red Flags, and When to See a Doctor

Anxiety commonly causes heart palpitations through adrenaline release and hyperventilation, creating a pounding, racing, or fluttering sensation that usually lasts seconds to minutes. Episodes tied to stress or panic attacks are not dangerous to a healthy heart.

Anxiety Attack: What It Is, Symptoms, and What to Do

"Anxiety attack" is a colloquial term people use to describe acute anxiety that feels overwhelming. It is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual).

Anxiety Attack Symptoms: Physical, Emotional, and When to Seek Help

Anxiety attack symptoms include physical sensations (racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, trembling, sweating), emotional responses (intense fear, sense of doom, feeling of losing control), and cognitive symptoms (difficulty concentrating, catastrophizin

Anxiety Chest Pain: Causes, How to Distinguish It From Heart Problems, and Relief

Yes, anxiety can cause chest pain through muscle tension, hyperventilation, and acid reflux triggered by stress. However, you cannot self-diagnose chest pain.

Anxiety Disorder: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

An anxiety disorder is a medical condition where anxiety (worry, fear, or apprehension) becomes persistent, excessive, difficult to control, and significantly interferes with daily life. Unlike normal anxiety in response to a specific threat, anxiety disorders persist even when t

Anxiety Dizziness: Causes, Types, and When It's a Medical Emergency

Anxiety commonly causes dizziness, usually a lightheaded, woozy, or floating feeling driven by hyperventilation, adrenaline surges, and heightened body awareness. A true spinning sensation (vertigo) is rarely anxiety alone and warrants immediate evaluation.