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Understanding the Various Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a normal feeling that everyone experiences at different times of their lives. Most people feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test at school or following through on an important decision, like marriage. Where anxiety crosses the line into a disorder is when the anxiety interferes with normal day to day activities. An anxiety disorder can be a serious mental illness if it is not treated. Obsessive worrying and fearful thoughts can be crippling and relentless.

There are several recognized anxiety disorders common to people these days. The following is a brief overview of the most commonly diagnosed disorders.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is very frightening to someone that suffers from it. People with this condition have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning, often in public places amongst other people. It can be crippling, as the symptoms can be so severe that you believe that you are not going to make it. Symptoms of a panic attack include sweating, chest pain, palpitations and problems breathing. Stress can be a major factor when it comes to panic disorders. The higher the stress, the more frequent and severe the panic attack usually is.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

People with OCD are having a problem with normal everyday activities because they are constantly being bombarded with thoughts or fears. They exhibit both obsessive and compulsive behaviors, most of which are irrational to someone that does not understand. It is very common for people with OCD to perform certain rituals or routines, just to keep what little peace they have in their life. I suppose it should be noted that the disturbing thoughts are referred to as the obsessions, and the rituals are the results of the obsessions and are called compulsions.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD is a condition that usually develops after a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. People with PTSD have a hard time relating to others, expressing feelings or even receiving feelings. They often have frightening thoughts and memories of the event that they cannot get past. Take for example, a post Vietnam veteran.

Social anxiety disorder

Also known as a social phobia, people with social anxiety disorder are always overwhelmed and self-consciousness about everyday social situations, even a grocery store trip. Someone wit this disorder has an overwhelming fear of being judged by others, or being embarrassed or ridiculed. It can be severe, as to where a person won't even leave the house.

General Phobias & Anxiety

Generalized phobias also fit into the category of anxiety disorders. A specific phobia is an intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as spiders, heights or public speaking. When phobias get out of control, the fear can cause a person to avoid everyday situations. The problem is that the fear is usually inappropriate to the present situation, but the level of fear usually is inappropriate or irrational to the situation. General anxiety involves the excessive worry or tension when there really is not specific reason for it.