Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Types & NHS Treatment
Anxiety is the UK’s most common mental health problem, affecting an estimated 8 million people. It is a normal human response to stress, but when anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or interferes with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder. This guide covers the main types, how they are diagnosed on the NHS, and available treatments.
If anxiety is affecting your daily life, speak to your GP. You can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies at nhs.uk/talking-therapies without needing a GP referral in most areas.
- UK prevalence: ~8 million people affected by anxiety disorders
- Most common types: GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, PTSD
- NHS diagnosis tools: GAD-7 questionnaire, clinical assessment
- First-line treatment: NHS Talking Therapies (CBT) — self-refer at nhs.uk/talking-therapies
- Medication: SSRIs (e.g. sertraline) for moderate-severe anxiety
Types of Anxiety Disorder
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) — persistent, excessive worry about a wide range of everyday matters (work, health, family, money) that is difficult to control and significantly affects daily functioning. The most common anxiety disorder in adults.
Panic Disorder — recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms including heart pounding, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating) and persistent worry about future attacks.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) — intense fear of social situations where one may be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. Goes beyond ordinary shyness and can prevent participation in work, education, or relationships.
Health Anxiety (Hypochondria) — excessive preoccupation with having or developing a serious illness despite medical reassurance.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders have both psychological and physical symptoms:
- Psychological: Excessive worry, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, feeling on edge, irritability, sleep problems
- Physical: Racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, trembling, sweating, nausea, headaches, muscle tension
- Behavioural: Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety; reassurance-seeking; withdrawing from activities
NHS Diagnosis
Your GP will typically use the GAD-7 questionnaire (7 questions about anxiety frequency over the past two weeks) to assess severity. A score of 5–9 indicates mild anxiety, 10–14 moderate, and 15–21 severe anxiety.
Treatment Options
NHS Talking Therapies: CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is the most evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders. Self-refer without a GP referral at most NHS Talking Therapies services (nhs.uk/talking-therapies).
Medication: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as sertraline are first-line pharmacological treatment for moderate to severe GAD. They take 2–6 weeks to have full effect. SNRIs (e.g. venlafaxine) are an alternative. Benzodiazepines are rarely prescribed due to dependence risk.
Self-help: Regular physical exercise, reducing caffeine and alcohol, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and maintaining a regular sleep routine can all help manage anxiety alongside professional treatment.
Disclaimer: Educational information only. Consult your GP about your mental health. Full disclaimer →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get NHS help for anxiety?
You can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) at nhs.uk without needing a GP referral. Treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), guided self-help, and group therapy. Your GP can also assess you, provide advice, prescribe medication if appropriate, and refer to specialist mental health services.
What is the most effective treatment for anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most extensively evidence-based psychological treatment for anxiety disorders and is available on the NHS. SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) are also effective for moderate to severe anxiety and are often used alongside therapy for best results.
Can anxiety go away without treatment?
Mild anxiety may improve with self-help strategies such as regular exercise, mindfulness, reducing caffeine, and sleep hygiene. However, anxiety disorders rarely resolve fully without professional support. Without treatment, symptoms often persist or worsen over time. Early intervention leads to significantly better long-term outcomes.