Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a tricky thing. We all have some anxiety and that can be good. Anxiety is what keeps you alert when you hear something rustling at 2:00 in the morning. Anxiety gets you to study before a test or check both ways when you cross a street so you don’t get hit by a car. But when your anxiety begins to take over most things you do, you may have an anxiety disorder. According to the DSM, there are 6 major types of anxiety disorders. It is possible to have a combination of all of these or just one. It is important to know which type(s) you have so that you can get the best treatment.

#1 Generalized Anxiety

With this kind of anxiety you may find yourself worried about a variety of events, not just one or two things. You may be restless, tired, have trouble concentrating, irritable, and have difficulty sleeping. It is difficult to control your worry, although you have tried your best to.

#2 Social Anxiety

You feel incredibly anxious around others, meeting new people, eating or drinking in front of others, asking someone for help, or going to parties. You may avoid social situations in

order to feel less anxious.

#3 Panic

Panic disorder is when you have panic attacks. You cannot control them and they do not seem to come at any specific time or place. It may feel like you are chocking, having a heart attack, going to faint or die, or going crazy. Sometimes you may feel afraid to leave your house because you could have a panic attack out in public or a place you can’t get help.

#4 Specific Phobia

This is a fear of a particular object, animal, or situation. The fear is so strong that you avoid the situation and if you can’t, you have immense anxiety. Some common phobias are closed spaces, bugs, snakes, heights, needles, and blood.

#5 Separation Anxiety

This kind of anxiety can occur in children, teenagers, and adults. They fear that something bad will happen to a loved one or themselves while away from each other. The individual with separation anxiety may be unable to travel alone, work or live far from loved ones, or go for long periods of time without checking in with their loved one.

#6 Agoraphobia

Individuals with agoraphobia have extreme fear and anxiety about leaving their home because of real or expected problems that might happen. They may be afraid they can’t escape or receive help if needed. If they suffer from panic attacks they may fear they will have one outside the home. They begin to change their life so that they avoid certain places. In extreme cases, individuals can refuse to leave their home altogether.

Each of these kinds of anxiety disorders has extreme and frequent symptoms. It effects work, school, social life, and every day living. It sometimes makes doing even simple things painfully difficult. The good news is that most anxiety disorders respond well to treatment. Getting good care from a therapist who is knowledgeable about each of these, how they differ, and how they can best be treated is essential in being able to move past anxiety and re-claim your life.

I hope this article has helped shed some light on the different types of anxiety. Please keep in mind this article is not intended as professional therapy or clinical advice. If you need help with a mental health issue you are facing, please contact a licensed mental health clinician.

I wish you well.

Dr. Zaleski

Dr. Katrina Zaleski is a licensed clinical psychologist providing therapy in the state of California. One of her specialties is working with those looking for help with anxiety. Learn more about Dr. Zaleski’s services for Anxiety Counseling.