Anxiety disorders are very common around the world, and in the U.S. alone almost 20% of the adult population is affected by a form of this mental illness. There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety and specific phobias. In general, women are affected by anxiety disorders more often than men. 

Anxiety can develop from a chemical or hormonal imbalance in the brain, genetics and environmental factors, such as built-up stress, a learned pattern of behaviours and unresolved emotional or even practical issues. Physical symptoms and manifestations of anxiety include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, insomnia, tension and irritation. (more…)