Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions. They are categorized into different types based on their symptoms and triggers. Let us take a look at some of the most common types of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a chronic condition characterized by severe tension and worry. Some of the common symptoms of GAD include:
- Feeling on edge always
- Difficulty concentrating
- Easily feeling fatigued
- Continuous muscle tension
- Constantly feeling restless and irritable
- Difficulty sleeping
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder is another common type of anxiety disorder. It occurs when someone is terrified of being separated from another person or place. This disorder is most commonly found in children, but some adults may also experience this condition. Common symptoms of a separation anxiety disorder include:
- Constant feelings of distress when separated from a particular person or place of comfort, like home. Even anticipation of the separation can lead to these feelings.
- Extreme worry about losing important people that they are attached to
- Continuously being worried about any event that may lead to separation from a person or place
- Refusal to leave a place or person due to fear of separation
- A constant fear of being left alone
- Refusal to sleep away from a person or place
- Constant nightmares about separation
These symptoms should continuously occur for at least four weeks in children and adolescents and six months or more in adults to be diagnosed as a separation anxiety disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorders
Social Anxiety Disorders are also called social phobias. Individuals suffering from this type of anxiety disorder have an excessive fear of being scrutinized by other people in at least one social setting. Common triggers for social phobia are being among unfamiliar people, being watched when eating, and performing in front of others. People with social anxiety disorder often feel they will be humiliated in social settings. As such, they try to avoid such situations altogether.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD
PTSD is a common type of anxiety found in people exposed to an extremely traumatic event. Events that can lead to PTSD include:
- Violent incidents like assaults
- Natural Disasters
- Major Accidents
- Military Combat
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder causes intense fear and physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, and abdominal distress. Individuals will experience recurrent panic attacks, severely affecting their physical and emotional functioning.
People who suffer from anxiety disorders often feel like nothing can help them. But this is not true. If you feel you are suffering from any of the above anxiety disorders, contact Aura MD. Our team of experienced psychiatrists will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to treat your anxieties. Our team will patiently be with you every step of your healing journey. Remember, you are not alone and can get help for your anxieties. Contact Aura MD for a consultation and let our team help you deal with your anxiety disorder.