Anxiety & the stress response

Sources

Every numbered claim on the overview and article pages is listed here with the exact passage it rests on. 80 passages were checked word-for-word against the saved copies listed below.

Pharmacist review pending80 verified passagesUpdated 2026-10-22

Current evidence

1

Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. In an anxiety disorder, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations and can get worse over time.

“Feeling anxious is a normal part of life.”
“But anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. For people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety DisordersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
2

Stress is a physical or mental response to an outside cause. Anxiety is your body's reaction to stress, and can happen even with no current threat.

“Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having an illness.”
“Anxiety is your body's reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
3

Stress is usually a response to an outside cause, such as a big test or an argument. It goes away once the situation is resolved, and can be positive or negative.

“Generally is a response to an external cause, such as taking a big test or arguing with a friend.”
“Goes away once the situation is resolved.”
“Can be positive or negative.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
4

Anxiety usually involves a persistent feeling of dread that doesn't go away and interferes with how you live. It can be constant even with no immediate threat.

“Usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn't go away, and that interferes with how you live your life.”
“Is constant, even if there is no immediate threat.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
5

Both stress and anxiety affect mind and body: excessive worry, tension, headaches or body pain, and lost sleep.

“Both stress and anxiety can affect your mind and body.”
“Excessive worry”
“Tension”
“Headaches or body pain”
“Loss of sleep”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
6

You may be at risk of an anxiety disorder if you can't manage the stress and its symptoms interfere with everyday life, make you avoid things, or seem always present.

“You may be at risk for an anxiety disorder if it feels like you can't manage the stress and if the symptoms of your stress:”
“Interfere with your everyday life.”
“Cause you to avoid doing things.”
“Seem to be always present.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
7

People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) worry more often or more intensely, even when the worry is out of proportion to the situation.

“people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently or more intensely about these and other things—even when the worry is out of proportion with the situation.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
8

A GAD diagnosis means worry that is hard to control on most days for at least 6 months.

“To be diagnosed with GAD, a person must find it difficult to control worry on most days for at least 6 months.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
9

GAD can bring restlessness, poor sleep or fatigue, headaches, muscle aches or stomachaches, sweating, lightheadedness and feeling out of breath.

“Feel restless or have trouble relaxing”
“Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or feel fatigued”
“Experience pain such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or tension”
“Sweat a lot, feel lightheaded, or feel out of breath”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
10

Panic attacks often bring physical symptoms that can feel like a heart attack, such as trembling, tingling or a racing heart.

“Panic attacks often include physical symptoms that might feel like a heart attack, such as trembling or tingling in the body or a rapid heart rate.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Panic Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
11

Panic attacks themselves are not life-threatening, and the symptoms usually pass. A single panic attack is not a mental disorder.

“panic attacks themselves are not life-threatening, and the physical symptoms usually resolve with time.”
“An isolated panic attack is not a mental disorder.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Panic Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
12

Many people with panic disorder worry about another attack and may change their lives a lot to avoid one.

“Many people with panic disorder worry about the possibility of having another attack and may significantly change their lives to avoid having another attack.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Panic Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
13

About a third of U.S. teens and adults have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

“About a third of U.S. adolescents and adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety DisordersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
14

An estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults had an anxiety disorder in the past year, and 31.1% experience one at some time in their lives.

“An estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year.”
“An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Any Anxiety Disorder (statistics)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
15

Past-year anxiety disorders were more common in women (23.4%) than men (14.3%).

“Past year prevalence of any anxiety disorder was higher for females (23.4%) than for males (14.3%).”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Any Anxiety Disorder (statistics)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
16

By age, past-year prevalence was 22.3% (18-29), 22.7% (30-44), 20.6% (45-59) and 9.0% (60+), in 2001-2003 survey data.

“Past Year Prevalence of Any Anxiety Disorder Among U.S Adults (2001-2003)”
“Age 18-29 22.3 30-44 22.7 45-59 20.6 60+ 9.0”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Any Anxiety Disorder (statistics)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
17

Some physical conditions, such as thyroid problems or heart-rhythm problems, are risk factors. Caffeine, other substances and certain medicines can make symptoms worse.

“Some physical health conditions, such as thyroid problems or arrhythmia”
“Using caffeine, other substances, and certain medicines can make your symptoms worse.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnxietyPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
18

A physical exam and lab tests can check that a different health problem is not causing your symptoms.

“You may also have a physical exam and lab tests to make sure that a different health problem is not the cause of your symptoms.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnxietyPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
19

Talk therapy and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety, and many people benefit from both.

“Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety, and many people benefit from a combination of the two.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
20

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been well studied and is the "gold standard" choice of psychotherapy.

“CBT has been well studied and is the “gold standard” choice for psychotherapy.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
21

CBT may include exposure therapy, which helps you face your fears so you can do the things you had been avoiding.

“It may include exposure therapy. This therapy focuses on having you confront your fears so that you will be able to do the things that you had been avoiding.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnxietyPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
22

Talk therapy can be effective in person or by telehealth.

“Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or counseling) can be effective when delivered in person or virtually via telehealth.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
23

Evidence-based therapies have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.

“These evidence-based therapies have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — PsychotherapiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
24

For panic disorder or social anxiety disorder, providers typically start with SSRIs or other antidepressants, which have fewer side effects than other options.

“In the case of panic disorder or social anxiety disorder, health care providers typically start with SSRIs or other antidepressants as the initial treatment because they have fewer side effects than other medications.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Mental Health MedicationsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
25

SSRIs and SNRIs may take several weeks to start working and can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea or poor sleep.

“They may take several weeks to start working. These medications also may cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or difficulty sleeping.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
26

Long-term benzodiazepine use may lead to tolerance or dependence, so they are usually prescribed for short periods and tapered slowly to avoid withdrawal.

“taking benzodiazepines over long periods may lead to drug tolerance or even dependence. To avoid these problems, health care providers usually prescribe benzodiazepines for short periods and taper them slowly to reduce the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms or renewed anxiety symptoms.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Mental Health MedicationsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
27

Do not stop a prescribed medicine without your provider's help, even if you feel better. Stopping too soon can cause unpleasant or harmful effects.

“People should not stop taking a prescribed medication, even if they are feeling better, without the help of a health care provider.”
“Stopping a medication too soon may cause unpleasant or harmful side effects.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Mental Health MedicationsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
28

Some people under 25 may have more suicidal thoughts on antidepressants, especially in the first weeks or after a dose change.

“In some cases, children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting the medication or when the dose is changed.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Mental Health MedicationsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
29

A healthy lifestyle, such as less caffeine and enough sleep, can reduce symptoms alongside standard care, but cannot replace treatment.

“Practicing a healthy lifestyle also can help combat anxiety, although this alone cannot replace treatment.”
“such as reducing caffeine intake and getting enough sleep—can reduce anxiety symptoms when paired with standard care”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
30

Exercise, mindfulness and meditation can reduce anxiety symptoms and enhance the effects of therapy.

“Stress management techniques, such as exercise, mindfulness, and meditation, also can reduce anxiety symptoms and enhance the effects of psychotherapy.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
31

Coping steps include keeping a journal, exercise and regular meals, a sleep routine, and avoiding excess caffeine.

“Keep a journal.”
“Exercise, and make sure you are eating healthy, regular meals.”
“Stick to a sleep routine, and make sure you are getting enough sleep.”
“Avoid drinking excess caffeine such as soft drinks or coffee.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
32

Relaxation techniques may reduce anxiety around medical problems and procedures, but CBT may be more helpful for at least some anxiety disorders.

“Relaxation techniques may reduce anxiety in people with chronic medical problems and those who are having medical procedures. However, cognitive behavioral therapy may be more helpful than relaxation techniques in treating at least some types of anxiety disorders.”

NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety and Complementary Health ApproachesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
33

Dietary supplements may have side effects, and some interact with medicines.

“Dietary supplements may have side effects, and some may have undesirable interactions with medicines.”

NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety and Complementary Health ApproachesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
34

Kava may have a small effect on anxiety but has been linked to a risk of severe liver injury.

“Kava supplements may have a small effect on reducing anxiety, but they have been linked to a risk of severe liver injury.”

NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety and Complementary Health ApproachesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
35

Kava should not be combined with other sedating substances, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol.

“Kava should not be used together with other substances that have sedative effects, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol.”

NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — KavaPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
36

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.

“If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety DisordersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
37

If anxiety starts causing problems in everyday life, at school, at work or with family and friends, it's time to seek professional help.

“If your anxiety, or the anxiety of a loved one, starts to cause problems in everyday life—such as at school, at work, or with friends and family—it’s time to seek professional help.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
38

The figures come from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication: face-to-face household interviews with U.S. adults 18 and older, February 2001 to April 2003; anxiety was assessed in 5,692 adults.

“Based on diagnostic interview data from the National Comorbidity Study Replication (NCS-R), Figure 1 shows past year prevalence of any anxiety disorder among U.S. adults aged 18 or older.”
“The NCS-R is a nationally representative, face-to-face, household survey conducted between February 2001 and April 2003 with a response rate of 70.9%.”
“Any anxiety disorder was assessed in a subsample of 5,692 adults.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Any Anxiety Disorder (statistics)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
39

Chest pain, especially if new or with sweating, breathlessness or pain into the arm or jaw — call 911. Panic and a heart attack can feel alike; treat it as your heart until a doctor says otherwise.

“If you are having symptoms of a heart attack, you should call 911, even if you are not sure it is a heart attack.”
“Discomfort in the upper body. You may feel pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach.”
“You may break out in a cold sweat.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Heart AttackPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
40

Chest pain, especially if new or with sweating, breathlessness or pain into the arm or jaw — call 911. Panic and a heart attack can feel alike; treat it as your heart until a doctor says otherwise.

“Panic attacks often include physical symptoms that might feel like a heart attack, such as trembling or tingling in the body or a rapid heart rate.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Panic Disorder: What You Need to KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
41

Shaking, sweating or confusion after stopping alcohol or a benzodiazepine — withdrawal can quickly become dangerous. Contact your provider right away or go to the emergency room; call 911 for a seizure, severe confusion or hallucinations.

“Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that may quickly become life-threatening.”
“Contact your provider right away or go the emergency room if you think you might be in alcohol withdrawal, especially if you were using alcohol often and recently stopped.”
“Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if seizures, fever, severe confusion, hallucinations, or irregular heartbeats occur.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Alcohol withdrawalPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
42

Shaking, sweating or confusion after stopping alcohol or a benzodiazepine — withdrawal can quickly become dangerous. Contact your provider right away or go to the emergency room; call 911 for a seizure, severe confusion or hallucinations.

“health care providers usually prescribe benzodiazepines for short periods and taper them slowly to reduce the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms or renewed anxiety symptoms.”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Mental Health MedicationsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
43

Not eating, not sleeping, or unable to get through the day — talk to a health professional. If you are in immediate distress, call or text 988.

“If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional.”
“If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .”

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact SheetPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
44

Anxiety that began soon after a new medicine — tell your pharmacist or prescriber, and do not stop it on your own.

“Using caffeine, other substances, and certain medicines can make your symptoms worse.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnxietyPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
45

A first panic attack, or anxiety with palpitations, tremor and weight loss — get checked for a physical cause.

“You may also have a physical exam and lab tests to make sure that a different health problem is not the cause of your symptoms.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnxietyPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
46

A first panic attack, or anxiety with palpitations, tremor and weight loss — get checked for a physical cause.

“weight loss despite an increased appetite”
“rapid or irregular heartbeat”
“shaky hands, muscle weakness”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
47

A first panic attack, or anxiety with palpitations, tremor and weight loss — get checked for a physical cause.

“If you have never had heart palpitations before, see your provider.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Heart palpitationsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

Source documents

NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety Disorders
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · page date December 2024 · SHA-256 002111e39e1b3e32…
NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — I'm So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 2f8bb5c964826f4a…
NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · page date Revised 2025 · SHA-256 7406ac0e32843749…
NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 1a6a908f2e33dadc…
NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Any Anxiety Disorder (statistics)
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 0d60d886114fcadf…
NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Mental Health Medications
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 34ecf63744708bc2…
NIMH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Psychotherapies
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 7057f1259b2674be…
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anxiety and Complementary Health Approaches
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 3ca1a01c2aae73e4…
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Kava
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 95f6f005c596da85…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Anxiety
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 2f9c2fea80c941ae…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Heart Attack
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256 498273ec83a390ec…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Alcohol withdrawal
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256 dbaec30c40aa9ba0…
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 34ad8b6d8dc45163…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Heart palpitations
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256 946b38bdb87e906f…

Historical perspective: Dr. Majid Ali archive

Historical perspective drawn from the authorized writings of Dr. Majid Ali, preserved in the Clarkson archive. Shown for context; it is not current medical guidance.

Anxiety Is a Matter of Biology, Not of Psychology – Spiritual Healing Course 2014-09-21
Source of the quoted title and his stance that anxiety is biologically real. Passing detox and oxygen-model passages are not carried.
What Is Stress? – Dr. Ali's Stress Course 2014-12-29
His fullest stress-physiology teaching, used for context only.
The Pre-East Fear, Anger, Stress Course, Part 3: Limbic Breathing 2015-11-16
Source for his breathing practice, covered on the slow breathing page as an adjunct only.
The Pre-East Way – Top Seven for Panic 2015-11-23
Listed for transparency. Its protocol-as-treatment framing is held.
Dr. Ali's Stress Course – The Oxygen Model of Stress 2015-11-23
Listed for transparency. Its mechanism is held and appears nowhere on this page.

Claims we deliberately did not carry

That anxiety and stress are explained by his "oxygen model".
Not established. A mechanism that competes with proven treatment is not carried; the page carries only his stance that anxiety is biologically real.
That natural remedies treat depression or anxiety.
Rejected, not held. Anything that displaces effective treatment for a mood or anxiety disorder can cause serious harm; supplements can also interact with medicines.³³
That his "Top Seven" protocols for panic, fear and anger are a treatment.
Individual practices such as breathing and movement are described as adjuncts only. The main treatments are therapy and medication.¹⁹
That limbic breathing improves heart rate variability with clinical significance.
A further step the evidence does not support. Held for pharmacist review; the page does not discuss HRV.

Safety wording awaiting sign-off

The 'When to get help now' list is ProperHealth safety wording. Each line cites the official guidance it follows, and those passages are listed above with the other claims. The wording still needs pharmacist sign-off before public use.