Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • ​People with GAD experience excessive and persistent worry about a variety of different things, such as work, health, finances, or family. The worry is difficult to control and can interfere with daily life. Symptoms can include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

• Panic Disorder

  • ​People with panic disorder experience sudden and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear or discomfort. Symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom or loss of control. Panic disorder can also lead to avoidance of certain situations or places where a panic attack may occur.

• Social Anxiety Disorder

  • ​People with social anxiety disorder have an intense fear of social situations, such as public speaking, meeting new people, or attending social gatherings. They may worry excessively about being judged or embarrassed and may avoid these situations altogether. Symptoms can include blushing, sweating, trembling, and difficulty speaking.

• Specific Phobias

  • ​People with specific phobias have an intense fear or anxiety about a particular object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or flying. The fear is excessive and unreasonable and can lead to avoidance of the phobic object or situation. Symptoms can include sweating, trembling, and a rapid heart rate.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • ​People with OCD have intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions), and engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to alleviate their anxiety. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harm to oneself or others, and a need for symmetry or order. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking, and arranging.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • ​People with PTSD experience intense and often debilitating anxiety symptoms following a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, or military combat. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, and hyper vigilance.