Anxiety disorder is extremely common - roughly forty million Americans have it and about forty percent of women get anxiety in their lifetime.

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Regardless of how pervasive it is, like many mental illnesses Anxiety disorder is often misunderstood. Andrea Peterson is a contributing writer for The Wall Street Journal where she writes about health, psychology and neuroscience. Her new book, "On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety," unpacks the science behind the disorder - interwoven with Peterson’s personal experience after being diagnosed with anxiety at 20. She delves into what life was like before doctors identified her symptoms and explores her own family history with the disorder.

You can find resources for dealing with anxiety at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. 

Guest:

Andrea Petersen, contributing writer for The Wall Street Journal where she writes about health, psychology and neuroscience; author of the book "On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety" (Crown, 2017)