High-Functioning Anxiety Disorder

High-functioning anxiety is a type of generalized anxiety disorder.

Although high-functioning anxiety is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The term is used to represent individuals who experience anxiety symptoms but, instead of avoiding situations or interactions, they actively confront their fears and are adept at masking their symptoms.

There are many emotional and physical symptoms of high-functioning anxiety disorder, including:

• Emotional symptoms
  • Fear of criticism or significant self-criticism
  • Fear of looking inadequate or foolish to others
  • Feeling on the edge or on the verge of losing control
  • Feeling a sense of impending doom
  • Experiencing significant stress

• Physical symptoms
  • Excessive sweating
  • Feeling off-balance or lightheaded
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Intestinal discomforts, such as diarrhea or ulcers
  • Muscle tension
  • Racing heart rate
  • Tired, jelly-like legs
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Tingling or numbness in toes or fingers

The intensity of these symptoms varies depending on a person’s level of functioning. People with high-functioning anxiety can appear to be:

• Perfectionists
• Punctual, or always early
• Highly organized
• Overachievers
• Detail-oriented
• Proactive

However, they often internally struggle with:

• Overthinking/overanalyzing
• The fear of disappointing or angering others
• Self-doubt
• Obsessively double-checking details
• Racing thoughts
• The inability to relax

There are many treatments available for high-functioning anxiety, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
• Deep-breathing exercises
• Medication

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call 718-206-5575.