The Different Types of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are complex emotional disturbances that have many related counterparts. This pages briefly discusses the different types of anxiety. Many anxiety disorders cross-over, with individuals experiencing a combination of symptoms associated with two or three different anxiety disorders.

Social Anxiety Disorder

The unifying characteristic in social anxiety disorder is a fear of performing poorly in social situations and suffering from embarrassment or humiliation. By definition, social situations mean interacting with or performing for other people and being under their potential scrutiny. Social Anxiety extends beyond shyness; it can limit the social lives, education, and even the career choices of those who suffer from it. Learn More About Social Anxiety Disorder

Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

A panic attack causes the fastest and most complex reaction known within the human body. The symptoms of panic attack include immediate alteration of the functioning of the eyes, several major glands, the brain, the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, pancreas, kidneys and bladder, and the major muscle groups. This physical response can lead to emotional responses such as the belief that one is dying. Generally speaking, the more physical symptoms one has during an attack, the more emotionally devastating a panic attack can be. Learn More About Panic Attakcs and Panic Disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

While it is normal to experience anxiety in reaction to dangerous, uncertain, or threatening situations, people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder experience anxiety constantly. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder experience pathological anxiety, which is excessive, chronic, and typically interferes with their ability to function in normal daily activities. Someone who suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder may worry about any and everything in his/her life. Learn More About Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Obsessive Compulive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterized by obsessions and compulsions that are time-consuming, distressing, and interfere with normal routines, relationships, and daily activities. Learn More About OCD.

Stress

Though it is a commonly used term, many people do not understand the physical and emotional implications of stress. The effects of stress make daily tasks difficult. Stress affects the performance of the brain. When people are under stress, their memory suffers. Stress can cause irritability and nervousness. Learn More About Stress.

Phobias

A specific phobia is an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Some of the more common specific phobias are centered around closed-in places, heights, escalators, tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, dogs, and injuries involving blood. Learn More About Irrational Fears and Phobias

Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can develop following a terrifying event. Often, people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb.