Anxiety disorder – Definition & Meaning

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a psychological disorder that causes excessive fear, worry, and nervousness. Anxiety disorder can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and work. It is essential to understand the meaning and definition of anxiety disorder to recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.

Definitions

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent fear or worry. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), anxiety disorder is defined as a group of disorders that share features of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioral disturbances.

Origin

The origin of anxiety disorder is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Some of the risk factors for anxiety disorder include a family history of the disorder, traumatic life events, chronic stress, and physical health conditions.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of anxiety disorder in different dictionaries varies slightly, but they all share the same basic definition. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anxiety disorder is a mental disorder characterized by excessive or unrealistic worry about everyday events. The Oxford English Dictionary defines anxiety disorder as a psychiatric disorder characterized by excessive fear or worry.

Associations

Anxiety disorder is associated with various physical and mental symptoms, including panic attacks, excessive sweating, trembling, heart palpitations, and difficulty sleeping. It can also lead to social isolation, depression, and substance abuse.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of anxiety disorder include nervous disorder, phobia, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Antonyms

There are no antonyms of anxiety disorder as it is a mental health condition that cannot be reversed or cured with the opposite of its symptoms.

The same root words

The same root words as anxiety disorder include anxiety, anxious, and unease.

Example Sentences

1. Mary’s anxiety disorder made it difficult for her to leave the house.
2. John’s panic attacks were a symptom of his anxiety disorder.
3. Sarah’s therapist recommended cognitive-behavioral therapy to manage her anxiety disorder.
4. The symptoms of anxiety disorder can be debilitating and affect daily life.
5. It’s important to seek professional help if you suspect you have an anxiety disorder.