Types of Anxiety Disorders
A certain degree of anxiety is normal; this typical, constructive and protective feeling is sometimes called existential anxiety. Various anxiety disorder types, however, cause extreme feelings of fear and panic, sometimes accompanied by physical symptoms, like increased heart rate. Different types of anxiety can be quite debilitating, sometimes damaging personal relationships and inhibiting everyday activities. Treatment, usually involving psychotherapy, may reduce symptoms of many anxiety disorder types.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder sufferers fear social situations, resulting in extreme anxiety that can often lead them to stay in their homes. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:
- Concern about embarrassing yourself or being judged
- Fear of interacting with strangers
- Physical symptoms, such as blushing or sweating.
Individuals with social anxiety disorder are often very sensitive with low self-esteem. Psychotherapy — such as cognitive behavioral therapy — and medications may improve the effects of social anxiety disorder.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a condition characterized by recurrent panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden onset of emotional and extreme physical symptoms, including:
- Anxiety and desire to escape the situation
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Perspiration
- Shortness of breath.
Panic attacks can be frightening and significantly affect daily life. Like other types of anxiety, panic disorder treatment often involves psychotherapy.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
As compared to other anxiety disorder types, OCD is characterized by constant unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive ritual behaviors (compulsions). OCD sufferers experience significant anxiety around these thoughts and behaviors, which may include:
- Checking
- Cleaning
- Counting
- Hand washing.
When a sufferer is unable to complete these behaviors, extreme anxiety may ensue. Psychotherapy that desensitizes the need to repeat behaviors may help reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD, one of the more specific anxiety disorder types, is triggered by a traumatic event, such as rape or assault. Military personnel may also experience PTSD after experience in combat. Unlike other types of anxiety, PTSD is characterized by frightening memories or flashbacks of the traumatizing event, as well as emotional numbness and difficulty connecting with others.
Test or Performance Anxiety
Some people experience test or performance anxiety when forced to perform under pressure, such as taking a test or giving a speech. Symptoms may include fear or difficulty concentrating, as well as physical symptoms (including nausea or sweating). Types of performance anxiety include:
- Anticipation anxiety: Extreme worry before a test or event, or from negative thoughts about what could happen
- Situational anxiety: Anxious reaction to being in a testing or performance situation.
Performance anxiety treatment includes using relaxation techniques both while preparing for, and during the test or performance.
Resources
American Psychological Association Staff. (n.d.). Answers to your questions about panic disorder. Retrieved May 24, 2010, from the American Psychological Association website: www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder.aspx#.
George Washington University Counseling Center Staff. (n.d.). Test anxiety. Retrieved May 24, 2010, from the George Washington University Counseling Center website: gwired.gwu.edu/counsel/index.gw/Site_ID/5176/Page_ID/14095/.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Retrieved May 24, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic Website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/social-anxiety-disorder/DS00595.
National Institute of Mental Health Staff. (n.d.). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Retrieved May 24, 2010, from the National Institute of Mental Health website: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.shtml.
National Institute of Mental Health Staff. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved May 24, 2010, from the National Institute of Mental Health Website: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml.