Anxiety is typically identified in a singular way, and is often characterized as a case of nervousness. While this may be an acceptable definition in an informal setting, it comes up far short as a medical diagnosis. There are actually several anxiety conditions, each with varying degrees of unique symptomology. There are also unique treatment forms for the anxious states, though treatment overlap can and does occur.
Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common form of anxiety, and has basically become the standby definition for a medically verifiable anxious state. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic worry, chronic tension, chronic irritability, that doesn't appear to have a specific cause or is more intensive than would seem reasonable. Generalized anxiety, in additional to being rather typical, is also quite responsive to various treatment forms.
Another anxiety form is panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, unpredictable terror feelings. The unpredictable nature of panic disorder -- symptoms can happen at any time and are generally not attached to a particular event -- can cause those with panic disorder to live in perpetual fear of suffering further panic attacks. Panic disorder is typically treated with forms of counseling therapy and / or psychiatric drugs.
Phobias represents the third form of anxiety. Phobias are fears of things or events that are so profound they encourage or lead to the altering of one's behavior. A person with a phobia of some thing may go to exceptional lengths to avoid coming into contact with their fear cause. The baseline treatment for phobias is to train those with a phobia to cope with whatever it is they're afraid of. Anti-anxiety agents and anti-depressants may be used in phobia treatment.
The final, and most severe, anxiety form is post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder, known in shorthand as PTSD, is delayed trauma response after an especially stressful experience. The symptoms of PTSD are usually forms or exceptional agitation, and are typically chronic in nature. Psychotherapy is a baseline form of treatment for PTSD. Psychiatric drugs may also be added to treatment.
All anxiety forms that meet a formal diagnosis are characterized by consistency and duration. A one-time or occasional anxiety reaction of some sort would likely not meet the standard for diagnosis, and the need for subsequent treatment. Consistency in symptoms is key.
If help is sought for an anxious condition, it's relevant and important to distinguish one's symptoms. Presenting a medical practitioner with a claim of anxiety is showing a considerable lack of detail. Describing specific anxious symptoms that one is feeling is vital to ensuring successful treatment.