It is perfectly normal for any human being to often be nervous before making an important decision or before taking a test. But in some cases, the nervousness is extreme and leads to a condition known as anxiety disorder. This is a serious, non-preventable mental condition in which worry and fear are constantly overwhelming. It affects people of all ages starting from childhood. The most common symptoms of anxiety disorders include: dizziness, dry mouth, shortness of breath, nightmares, sleep problems, inability to concentrate or stay calm, panic, fear and discomfort, among others. The anxiety disorder can reach the point where the patient is unable to lead a normal life (Chakraburtty, 2009). The symptoms can be alleviated by the patient seeking help from a professional counselor in case he detects the slightest hint of the symptoms or after a traumatizing experience. People should also watch the amounts of coffee, tea and chocolate they consume as these substances contain caffeine, a known anxiety stimulant. Furthermore, people should exercise caution and only consume medicines prescribed by a qualified doctor. This is because most medications and herbal solutions purchased over the counter contain chemicals known to cause anxiety symptoms. The root cause of anxiety disorder is not certain, but ongoing mental research has shown that the disorders are caused by a number of factors. A chemical imbalance is among the probable causes of anxiety disorder. Research has also shown that the brain's chemical balance can be affected by prolonged stress. The disorder also occurs in families where siblings inherit it from parents. However, some forms of anxiety disorder can be triggered by trauma. This... at the heart of the article...... indicates that people are changing what they eat and drink, moving from foods that might cause anxiety to healthier foods. It also involves abandoning bad lifestyle practices such as excessive alcohol consumption and the need to lead a more responsible lifestyle. Group therapy: involves patients suffering from anxiety disorder coming together and sharing experiences on how to overcome the various challenges that arise from the condition for the benefit of each of them. They exchange hope and advice on how to handle different situations in the future (Prentice-hall, 1995-2002). Works Cited Chakraburty Amal (2009), Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disordersPrentice-hall, (1995-2002), Treatment Goals. Retrieved from: http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/morris5/chapter14/deluxe.html