If you think that anxiety simply means feeling a bit stressed and on edge, then you might need to think again. As a mental health condition, anxiety is much more complicated than that. There are different types of anxiety and related disorders. Anxiety is an umbrella term that includes several conditions, all with some unpleasant symptoms in common.
A continuous feeling of terror, impossibility to concentrate, high alertness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, stomach upsets, heart palpitations, sweating, and dizziness are just some of the most reported symptoms.
If you would like to find out more about what the different types of anxiety are, and whether you might be experiencing any of them, continue reading below. We’ll reveal the five most commonly recognized and treated types of anxiety.
Table of Contents
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
As the name suggests, this type of anxiety involves a constant, debilitating feeling of unease, dread, and stress. This feeling doesn’t seem to be linked to anything in particular, which is why it’s called “generalized”. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often finds even the simplest everyday events extremely worrying.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Unlike generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from a specific past event that the sufferer found disturbing. We’re not talking necessarily about extreme situations such as witnessing wars or being victims of sexual assault., however, any type of situation could be processed as traumatic to a person.
PTSD can occur as a result of any type of situation that a person processed as traumatic. Something as “common” as the end of a relationship can trigger PTSD symptoms if the event is not processed properly.
3. Specific Phobias
Phobias are irrational fears of particular things. They can become so paralyzing that end up preventing the sufferer from living a healthy, normal life.
What differentiates phobias from more ordinary, harmless fears is their omnipresence. Even when not directly confronted with the dreaded object, the sufferer will still experience feelings and symptoms of anxiety, which makes it challenging to go on with their daily life.
4. Panic Disorder
This type of anxiety is characterized by recurring panic attacks. These are sudden waves of intense fear that can make the sufferer feel like they are about to die. While they are usually over in a few minutes, the sufferer is left with long-lasting physical and mental effects.
5. Social Anxiety
People experiencing social anxiety can be so scared of the outside world and of other people that they struggle to leave their house. This is a crippling type of anxiety, as it often means that the sufferer can’t hold down jobs, relationships, interests, or even perform mundane daily activities.
Are You Experiencing Any of These Different Types of Anxiety?
Anxiety is a catch-all term that incorporates several different types of anxiety disorders, such as the five described in this article.
Whichever anxiety type you think you might be suffering from, your best option is to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Anxiety Therapy in San Jose & Campbell, CA
As licensed therapists, we offer professional therapy services including anxiety therapy and online therapy sessions.
For more information, send a contact us form message or call us at 408-680-4114 today!
Contact us today to schedule a first, free consultation with one of our therapists, and put a plan of action in place to start living a better, happier, and healthier life.
