Anxiety disorders affect millions of men and women every year, and most people experience a combination of emotional and physical symptoms depending on the severity of their condition. Anxiety disorders range from generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias and social anxiety disorder, but almost all have the same spectrum of emotional symptoms that have significant effects on the person's well-being and emotional health.

The primary symptoms associated with all anxiety disorders is excessive, even irrational fear or worry about a particular situation, place or thing. However, the following emotional symptoms can also be present, and can occur frequently, or become a part of the person's personality:

1. Negative thinking. People with anxiety disorder are always anticipating the worst. Because of this, a cycle of negative thinking may develop that may lead to depression and other harmful conditions.

2. Constant uneasiness. A person with anxiety disorder often feels agitated and restless. A person may even have difficulty relaxing because he or she is already engraved with the habit of having their guards up or extreme attentiveness.

3. Feeling jumpy or tense on a regular basis. Most people who have even the mildest forms of anxiety disorder will feel as though they are always on the edge, or have to "walk on eggshells." According to the United States National Mental Health Information Center at mentalhealth.samhsa.gov, anxiety disorders can cause people to become "trapped in a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors such as counting or hand washing" just so they can reduce their feelings of tension and anxiety.

4. Watching for signs of danger. People who are always on the edge are usually looking for signs of danger, and may become preoccupied with risky situations or events. Most people who have anxiety disorders will always be on the lookout for danger, and be very careful about where they go or what they do.

5. Difficulty concentrating. When most of the day is spent being preoccupied with worry, anxiety and fear, people with anxiety disorders can find it very difficult to stay focused and concentrate. They may have difficulty sitting in one place for long periods of time to perform tasks at a job, complete schoolwork, or finish a project. Symptoms may be recognized as ADD or ADHD, but in many cases, the root cause is an anxiety disorder.

6. Irritable. People with anxiety disorder are mostly irritable since they do not get enough rest and relaxation. They may be overly sensitive in a course of a day specially if there is a change in their routine. This can be remedied by a better handling of stress and taking the time to develop a relaxation habit.

The emotional impact of anxiety disorders can negatively affect people's life, jobs, and relationships. Identifying these symptoms is just the first step in finding the most appropriate treatment for a person suffering from an anxiety disorder.