Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension and worry. These disorders affect how we feel and behave, and can manifest in real physical symptoms. Anxiety is a normal and often healthy mental health problem. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionately anxious, it can become a medical problem. Anxiety disorders form a category of mental health problems that lead to excessive worry and fear. There are nine main types of anxiety which we will discuss below.
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by chronic and excessive worry about a wide variety of things, such as health, work, social relationships and everyday situations. People with GAD tend to imagine the worst-case scenario, even when there is no reason to worry. They may have trouble falling asleep or concentrating due to constant worry.
2. Panic Disorder
This is a type of anxiety where the person experiences repeated intense panic attacks. These panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear and discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms may include palpitations, sweating, tremors, feelings of shortness of breath, among others.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
SAD is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of being observed and judged by others. People with SAD are afraid of situations in which they may be embarrassed or humiliated. They may avoid social situations as much as possible and when they can't, they experience intense anxiety and discomfort.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This type of anxiety is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks to the event, nightmares, intense fear, and irritability. People with PTSD may feel anxious and afraid, even when they are not in danger.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions instill fear and anxiety, while compulsions are behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. For example, a person with OCD may have obsessive thoughts about germs and compulsively wash their hands to relieve anxiety.
6. Specific Phobia
This is a type of anxiety characterized by an intense and persistent fear of a specific object or situation. The fear is disproportionate to the real danger presented by the object or situation. Common phobias include fear of heights, spiders, flying, etc.
7. Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety where the person is afraid and avoids places or situations that may cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment. People with agoraphobia are often afraid of leaving home, entering crowded spaces, or traveling on public transportation.
8. Separation Anxiety Disorder
This type of anxiety is more common in children, but can also affect adults. It is characterized by an intense and excessive fear of being separated from people to whom the person is attached. The person may have nightmares about the separation or refuse to sleep without the person nearby.
9. Anxiety Disorder due to a medical condition
This type of anxiety is directly caused by a physical medical condition. Some examples of conditions that can cause anxiety include heart disease, hormonal problems, medication side effects, etc.
It's important to remember that anxiety is a normal and even healthy response to stress. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or irrational, it can become a mental health problem. If you think you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
