Do you have to have anxiety attacks to have an anxiety disorder? I’ve had one anxiety attack but I feel a lot of anxiety constantly.

Nope, one doesn't need to have consistent anxiety attacks to have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety attacks are a major symptom of anxiety disorder for some individuals, and this is called Panic Disorder. However, there are many types of anxiety outside of Panic Disorder. It's possible you're experiencing general anxiety, or another form of anxiety. Other types of anxiety include OCD, PTSD, and Social Phobia. Though all these anxiety subtypes present a bit differently, they are all anxiety. Your experience is real, and anxiety looks different for everyone. The 7 Cups Anxiety Self-Help guide has more information about different experiences with anxiety, and it may be a great resource for you to learn more, and seek further help if you desire.

Having anxiety is natural for everyone, but when you start to feel it more and more, it can develop into an anxiety disorder. Like almost everything, anxiety exists on a spectrum. Having anxiety attacks or panic attacks can signify a disorder, but they aren't required for someone to "have" an anxiety disorder. Some folks experience anxiety on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly basis. If it is at the point where you are experiencing anxiety on a regular or constant basis, that can be indicative of a larger issue. A doctor or mental health professional would be required to officially diagnose an anxiety disorder.