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Anxiety Disorders

What Is an Anxiety Cycle? Understanding the 4 Stages

We have a natural desire to avoid the things that make us anxious, but could that be making things worse?

Sophia KellerSanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Sophia Keller | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on October 1, 2025
Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | October 1, 2025

Some people try to avoid the things that make them anxious. This means they may never get the chance to cope with and overcome their anxieties. Avoidance may bring short-term relief in the moment, but it also allows your anxiety to fester and grow. This is also known as the anxiety cycle or loop.

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Sophia Keller
Written by:
Sophia Keller
Sophia Keller was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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