What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are prevalent, serious and persistent health problems affecting behaviour, thoughts, feelings and physical sensations.

One in four Canadians will have at least one anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

An anxiety disorder is different than the occasional stress and worry that everyone experiences throughout their lives. An anxiety disorder is not a sign of weakness, and should be regarded as seriously as any physical illness. Some characteristics of anxiety disorders include:

  • excessive anxiety
  • exaggerated fears known as phobias
  • excessive worry
  • panic attacks
  • avoidance
  • obsessive thoughts
  • compulsive actions

People of all social, economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds are affected by anxiety disorders. 

Types of anxiety disorders include:

  • Panic Disorder
  • Agoraphobia (avoidance of spaces or situations associated with anxiety)
  • Specific Phobia (intense fear of particular objects or situations)
  • Social Phobia
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Acute Stress Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Anxiety Disorder due to a general medical condition
  • Substance-induced anxiety disorder

Treatments

At The Royal, anxiety disorders are treated by a combination of medication and cognitive behavioural therapies in group and individual sessions tailored to specific anxiety disorders.

The Royal’s Anxiety Disorders Program provides a wide range of specialty services, including regular and extended consultations, medication treatment and psychological therapies using proven and efficient interventions. The program is suitable for adults aged 18-65 with Axis I anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and specific phobia. The program specializes in treating patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

Treatment is provided by a team of professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise in dealing with the medical and psychological aspects of anxiety as well as social and vocational rehabilitation. The program team will also liaise with family physicians and community mental health agencies as required to ensure that patients receive the best ongoing care.

Referrals

A physician referral is needed for assessment, treatment, and follow-up in our Mood and Anxiety Outpatient Program. If you are a referring physician, please visit our referral page. If you are a client or family member, please contact your family physician.

The Anxiety Disorders Program contributes to leading-edge research at the Stress and Anxiety Clinical Research Unit on biological, genetic and psychological causes of anxiety disorders and development of new, unique treatment strategies. Clients likely to benefit from research (for example new interventions or new investigations) and teaching will also be accepted for treatment under the Anxiety Disorders Program.

Resources for persons with anxiety disorders