Fear and anxiety are part of life. Feeling anxious before a stressful event or while walking down a dark street are useful - these kinds of responses can make you more alert or careful. Normal, healthy anxiety usually ends soon after you are out of the situation that caused it.

But for 40 million adults in the United States, feelings of anxiety do not go away and get worse over time.  Anxiety disorders range from feelings of uneasiness to immobilizing bouts of terror.  People experiencing an anxiety disorder may have chest pains or nightmares or even be afraid to leave home. The main types of anxiety disorders are:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias

Anxiety is a normal, healthy emotion when experienced during specific moments.  But if you feel overwhelming fear and it is affecting your life, you may need help.  Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of anxiety.