What Is the Difference Between Being Nervous & Having an Anxiety Disorder?

Feeling nervous occasionally is a natural part of life and can at times help us perform better at certain tasks. A little nervousness keeps us more alert, focused and driven. Excessive nervousness or nervousness about simple tasks is a form of anxiety.

Anxiety

• According to the National Institute on Mental Health website, more than 6 million people suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that negatively affects their lives. People who suffer from an anxiety disorder have intense feelings of nervousness, dread and panic while doing simple, mundane tasks. What really makes an anxiety disorder devastating is that the feelings of worry and dread can last for days, weeks, months and years on end.

Nervousness

• According to the MidWest Stress Center, nervousness is a natural emotional response to big projects or situations in which someone's performance is formally or informally evaluated. A blind date, giving a speech or managing an office or classroom are all situations that can cause a little nervousness. Unlike the feelings of anxiety, nervousness generally subsides as a person becomes more accustomed to a situation or project.

Anxiety Symptoms

• Sufferers from anxiety disorders can perform poorly at work or school, have failing relationships and feel isolated and alone. For those with social anxiety disorder (social phobia), being in public or among friends or family can cause feelings of dread and panic, leading to avoidance of social situations. Physically, anxiety sufferers will experience excessive perspiring, shaking or trembling, nausea or digestive problems and muscle pain or tension.

Nervousness Symptoms

• Momentary nervousness (especially in high-pressure settings) can cause a variety of temporarily upsetting symptoms. StressCenter.com reports that nervousness causes dry mouth, momentary confusion, memory difficulties, fidgeting and increased heart rate. Unlike any of the anxiety disorders, the symptoms of nervousness usually subside after a few minutes.

Treatment

• Both nervousness and anxiety are treatable conditions. Because anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that require the diagnoses of a mental health professional, you should first seek the help of a therapist, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist if you exhibit the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. According to MayoClinic.com, anxiety disorders are most effectively treated through a combination of anti-anxiety medications such as buspiron or benzodiazepine, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and coping skills for dealing with stress and tension.

  Nervousness can be treated through stress reduction. Activities you can use at the onset of nervousness include meditation, recasting negative thoughts to focus on positives, exercising regularly and spending time with friends and family.