Trigger warning: this article discusses clinical anxiety disorders.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders that are all characterized by distinctive things and are manifested differently.
Anxiety
Anxiety is different from the regular feelings of nervousness we tend to get often throughout our lives. Anxiety is characterized by excessive feelings of fear. Furthermore, anxiety can very often manifest itself with physical symptoms. Of all the mental disorders, anxiety disorders are the most common as they can affect a large number of adults throughout their life.
The Different Types
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are six different types of anxiety disorders –
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This involves persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning and daily activities. The worry can focus on many different aspects of daily life, whether major or minor issues.
- Panic Disorder
The core of this disorder is recurrent panic attacks, which cause physical and psychological distress on an individual. Panic attacks may be expected and triggered or unexpected and occurring suddenly with no trigger.
- Phobias and Specific Phobia
Specific phobias are characterized by a persistent fear of a specific object or situation, even though it may not be harmful. Those with specific phobia are aware that their fear of this object or situation is excessive, but they are simply not able to overcome it. Having such a fear can cause the individual with the phobia to go through extreme measures in order to avoid the object or situation by any means possible.
- Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is characterized by the fear of being stuck in a situation where escaping may be difficult or where help may not be available should anything occur. As such, problems in daily functioning may arise. Fears pertaining to agoraphobia may include the use of public transportation, being in enclosed spaces, and standing in line. As a result, an individual with such a fear may also actively avoid such situations.
- Social Anxiety Disorder
A person with this anxiety disorder experiences excessive fear from the idea of being humiliated, rejected, embarrassed, or looked down on in any type of social situation. Examples of this type of fear include the fear of speaking publicly, meeting new people, or even dining outside the house in public.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
A person with this anxiety disorder experiences excessive fear from the idea of being separated from those he/she is extremely attached to. While this disorder may develop in childhood, its symptoms can go on during adulthood.