Every now and then, we all experience a little anxiety.
The origin of anxiety can be sourced from millions of potential situations but is unique to each of us. Some of us build-up anxiety from work-related stress, others will formulate their anxiety from family pressure, or even from being in a negative relationship.
With so many possible causes, specialists and psychologists have been working for many years to categorize all forms of anxiety into types. Types of anxiety can help you to diagnose, get help and build a better understanding how to overcome your anxiety.
For healthcare professionals, anxiety types help to decipher the intensity and status of your anxiety. This, in turn, helps them to prescribe solutions and advice for their patients.
Being aware of your type of anxiety will pay dividends when it comes to being able to control the effects of anxiety and bring a cure to the table.
How does anxiety impact your every day?
Millions of people suffer from anxiety on a daily basis.
Before we begin, it is important to underline that anxiety disorders are widely present around the world. In the United States, anxiety disorders are amongst the most common mental illness.
From the 40 million US citizens suffering from mental health conditions, almost 7 million of them suffer from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which we will discuss later in this article. With a further 15 million suffering from society anxiety disorder. (ADAA, 2015).
The 7 types of anxiety
There are 7 main types of anxiety that we’d like to discuss, these are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (commonly known as GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic DisorderAgoraphobia
- Phobias
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD is one of the most commonly known anxiety types.
The APAA (Anxiety and Depression Association) reported that around 7 million US adults, accounting for 3.1% of the U.S. population, suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men.
Individuals with GAD tend to find it difficult to control their anxiety, worrying about a number of things and commonly experience “excessive anxiety and worry”. Sufferers tend to worry over topics such as money, family, work, health and other issues.
Symptoms of GAD can include:
- Restlessness, or being on the edge
- Easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or going blank
- Irritable
- Sleep disturbance
- Muscle tension
(Listed from APAA coverage on GAD symptoms)
GAD is referred to as the “worry cycle” where those affected are concerned about even getting through a day, where there is no apparent issue to be worried.
The disorder tends to occur between childhood and middle age. Although the anxiety from GAD can be mild, those with GAD can be employed and function socially in groups and in everyday activities.
The exact cause of GAD is unknown, but there are many factors such as background, life experiences and work which play a role in this.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder
Equally common with men and women, this disorder can start from the age of 13.
According to an ADAA report, over 15 million people in the US (6.8% of the U.S population) currently suffer from social anxiety disorder. Another survey issued by ADAA showcased the level of concern for the disorder, with 36% of people with social anxiety disorder reporting experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking advice and help.
Social anxiety disorder is the fear of being judged in performance or social situations from others. This disorder can disrupt daily life, with this social phobia causing issues with romance, relationships and leave the individual feeling powerless, alone and even ashamed.
This is normally uncovered from childhood, where children suffering are prone to clinging behavior, tantrums and mutism. Capturing the symptoms of this disorder earlier can help save time and future difficulties in development.
Social anxiety disorder is not a regular shade of shyness, but a full fledged interaction issue that has become one of the leading types of anxiety disorders in the U.S and around the world.
3. Panic Disorder
Out-of-the-blue panic attacks are the center of this disorder and occur spontaneously. Panic attacks can happen at any time of the day and within sleep hours.
Understanding the symptoms of a panic attack can help to determine whether you or a family member suffers from these.
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Chills or heat sensations
- Paresthesia
- Derealization
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
(Listed from APAA coverage on panic attack symptoms)
Panic disorder is again, a very emotional topic for many, as individuals believe that this disorder doesn’t exist and are commonly embarrassed to address issues with this. Many suffer in silence when the treatment can be very beneficial.
Learning to overcome the fear around your attacks and potential recurring attacks in the future can help to remove this anxiety from your daily life.
4. Agoraphobia
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Abdulrahman Mattar says
I have a type of anxiety of having problems expressing my self and putting the right words together. What would be the problem if i am diagnosed with Schizophrenia illness for the past 13 years and i still have the same symptoms?
MH EDU says
Hi there, thanks for the great article. I have a question I’m hoping you might be able
to answer. I was wondering, What is it like to have social anxiety disorder?
I’ve been experiencing mild panic attacks in social situations and I’m
worried I might have it. I would appreciate any insight you can provide.