There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, unrealistic worry and fear about everyday events and activities. People with GAD may experience symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. The cause of GAD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden and unexpected panic attacks, which are episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can include physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing. People with panic disorder may also experience anticipatory anxiety, worrying about having another panic attack. The cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is characterized by intense fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment in social situations. People with SAD may experience symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, and difficulty making eye contact. They may also avoid social situations or endure them with intense anxiety. The cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Specific Phobias are characterized by intense fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations. Examples of specific phobias include fear of flying, fear of heights, and fear of spiders. The cause of specific phobias is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Agoraphobia is characterized by fear and avoidance of open or public places, as well as fear of having a panic attack in these places. People with agoraphobia may experience symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and difficulty breathing when outside of their safe place. The cause of agoraphobia is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety about separation from a primary caregiver or attachment figure. Children with separation anxiety disorder may experience symptoms such as crying, clinging, and nightmares when separated from their parent or caregiver. The cause of separation anxiety disorder is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Selective Mutism is characterized by a child’s inability to speak in certain social situations (e.g. school) despite the ability to speak in other situations (e.g. home with family). The cause of selective mutism is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder is a type of anxiety that is caused by the use of drugs or alcohol, or by the withdrawal from them. This type of anxiety is caused by changes in brain chemistry brought on by substance use or withdrawal.
- Anxiety disorder due to another medical condition is a type of anxiety that is caused by a medical condition such as a thyroid disorder, heart disease, or chronic pain. This type of anxiety is caused by the physical symptoms or the impact of the medical condition on the person’s life.
- It’s important to note that some people may experience symptoms of more than one type of anxiety disorder. Also, some people may have symptoms that do not fit neatly into any specific diagnosis. A mental health professional can help determine the specific type(s) of anxiety a person is experiencing.