Most people experience anxiety; for example, speaking in front of a group can make us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. However, when anxiety causes feelings of intense fear and distress, which become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause.

Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.

Types Of Anxiety Disorders

There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with different symptoms. The most common types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. This worrying can consume hours daily, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. A person with generalized anxiety disorder may become exhausted by worry and experience tension, irritability, or difficulty concentrating on things.

Social Anxiety Disorder

This disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often driven by irrational worries about humiliation (e.g., saying something stupid or not knowing what to say). Someone with a social anxiety disorder may not take part in conversations, contribute to class discussions, or offer their ideas and may become isolated. Social anxiety disorder is often more than being shy.

Panic Disorder

This disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror, sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. Often mistaken for a heart attack, a panic attack causes powerful physical symptoms, including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and stomach upset.

Phobias

We all avoid certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or even fearful. But for someone with a phobia, certain places, events, or objects create powerful reactions of intense, irrational fear. Most people with specific phobias have several things that can trigger those reactions; to avoid panic, they will work hard to avoid their triggers.