Anxiety
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Anxiety: Condition overview
Help for 14 million people in the U.S. with anxiety disorder

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with anxiety disorder, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about anxiety, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points for people with anxiety disorder
  • Anxiety disorder is a real illness, and it can be treated.
  • If you have it, you can't stop worrying—usually about ordinary, everyday things.
  • Anxiety disorder is common, but many people don't realize they have it. Doctors find it hard to recognize, too.
  • There's no cure for anxiety disorder, but treatment should help you control your worries.
  • There are two kinds of treatment that work: "talking treatments" (or psychotherapy) and medication.
  • The best kind of psychotherapy is called cognitive therapy.
About 5 in 100 Americans will have anxiety disorder during their lifetime. While no one is certain of the exact cause of anxiety disorder, scientists are studying possible links to the illness, including chemical imbalances in the brain, stress, and hormonal imbalances.

There are several good treatments for anxiety disorder, but there are no quick fixes and no cures. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about anxiety disorder. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.