Anxiety is something everyone feels from time to time. Whether it’s nerves before a big event, meeting new people, or handling a stressful day, these feelings are normal. In fact, a little bit of anxiety can help keep us alert and focused when we need to be.
For most people, these anxious feelings come and go. A deep breath or a quick pep talk is usually enough to push through. At worst, you might feel a racing heartbeat or shaky hands. But for some, anxiety doesn’t just pass—it builds up and becomes overwhelming, making even simple tasks feel impossible.

For millions of people, anxiety isn’t just occasional stress. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder affect nearly 13 million adults in the U.S. People with these conditions experience constant, excessive worry that feels impossible to control. It’s more than just feeling nervous—it’s an ongoing struggle that affects daily life.
Panic disorder can make things even harder. People who suffer from it can experience sudden panic attacks—episodes of extreme fear that seem to come out of nowhere. These attacks bring intense physical symptoms like a racing heart, trembling, and trouble breathing. Some people even hyperventilate, breathing so fast and shallow that they feel dizzy or faint. In some cases, it can be so frightening that they go to the emergency room, convinced something is seriously wrong.
While certain situations can sometimes trigger these attacks, they often strike without warning, making everyday life unpredictable and stressful. But new research is shedding light on what might be causing these sudden waves of anxiety.
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