Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that cause people to feel frightened, distressed and uneasy. But when anxiety becomes excessive, it can interfere with daily activities and result in deterioration of your physical health.
Five Major Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders may have recurring bad thoughts or feelings that they can’t control. To get the right treatment, it is important to know different types of anxiety disorders. Here are five major types of anxiety disorders to help you understand it better:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD is one of the most common types of anxiety disorder. For example: You may be walking down a street and suddenly feel that a car might hit you. This event is certainly possible, but unlikely to happen. Its most common symptoms are- having excessive worrying on most days, having trouble controlling worry, feeling tense or wound up and being easily fatigued.
2. Panic Disorder
People with panic disorder experience sudden and repeated feelings of intense fear that last from several minutes to hours. While panic disorder can develop at any age, its most common in young adults between 18 and 24. The symptoms of a panic attack are- pounding heart and chest pain, trouble in breathing or swallowing and numbness in hands or feet.
3. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition characterized by obsessions and compulsions that interfere with relationships and daily activities. The obsession can include fear of becoming contaminated by dirt or germs and washing hands excessively to prevent contamination.
4. Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, involves anxiety about leaving the house for fear of being judged by others. Common symptoms include blushing, trembling, sweating, palpitations, and nausea. Other symptoms are vomiting, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, muscle tension, fatigue and loss of appetite.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is a condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The person with PTSD may re-experience the trauma through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and become numb to friends and activities they once enjoyed.
If you are struggling with any of the anxiety disorders above, don’t be afraid to seek treatment from a trained professional. Get help from ValuCare Clinic and get your anxiety disorders treated. Book your appointment today!