Anxiety is caused by an excessive fear, worry or stress that is not comparable to the individuals situation. Anxiety can be persistent and difficult to control, causing a person to feel paralyzed by their own thoughts. 

We all experience normal stress, worry and fear; however, extreme variations of these normal states that are difficult to control are considered clinically significant.

General Anxiety can lead to an extreme episode of fear and impending doom called a panic attack. This may include dizziness, chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, fast heart palpitations…very similar to symptoms of a heart attack. 

OCD is a very specific type of anxiety that involves persistent anxiety provoking thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors believed to relieve the anxiety. 

Body Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) is a general term for a group of related disorders that includes hair pulling, skin picking, and nail-biting. This is commonly seen in children and teens with anxiety.