It is normal for people to worry or be scared about certain situations. But for some people, their fear and worry are blown out of proportion in comparison to the situation they face. Anxiety disorders afflict millions of people ever year with a feeling of fear, worry and anxiousness in their everyday lives. The constant fear and worry may even worsen and lead to panic attacks.

Understanding the root cause of an anxiety problem can take time, but there are several common characteristics and symptoms that indicate that an anxiety disorder is present, and may need to be addressed. Identifying anxiety disorder symptoms and effects is the first step to getting better and finding a suitable treatment plan. Here are some of the key signs that you or someone you know is suffering from an anxiety disorder:

1. Constantly plagued by irrational fears. Everyone experiences fear in dangerous or potentially risky situation, but people with anxiety disorders tend to be plagued by irrational fears that consist of excessive worry or anxiousness over a situation that cannot be classified as harmful or dangerous.

2. Worried about the surroundings. Anxiety disorder sufferers constantly worry about the threats in the surroundings they are in. They are usually uptight and sensitive to everything that's going on in their surroundings. They may even perceive danger in a familiar place like their own home.

3. Social withdrawal. People with anxiety disorders are often withdrawn socially. This is often caused by a fear of being judged or criticized by others. Inter-personal relationships of a person are usually affected by anxiety disorders.

4. Developing superstitious beliefs and rituals. Anxiety disorder sufferers may develop certain beliefs and routines because of their fears. HelpGuide.org explains that people with anxiety disorders often "belief that something bad will happen if certain things aren't done a certain way". These rituals and compulsions are actually a way for sufferers to soothe their fears and worries.

5. Afraid of losing control and having an anxiety attack. A lot of people who suffer from anxiety attacks are afraid of "losing it." This usually results in a cycle of anxiety wherein a sufferer can develop a fear of having a panic attack in public, or also known as agoraphobia.

6. Sudden onset of fear or panic. You will know if a person is suffering from panic attacks if he or she frequently experiences brief episodes of extreme fear or dread. This is usually accompanied by an increase in a person's heart rate and blood pressure. Although panic attacks typically last for just a short time, this can interfere with the normal functioning of a person if it happens frequently enough.

There are a number of medical and alternative treatment options for anxiety disorders. Recognizing the symptoms and effects of anxiety disorders is the first step towards an effective treatment plan and eventual solution.