Types of Anxiety Disorders and How They Differ (2)

1. Types of Anxiety Disorders and How They Differ Introduction Anxiety is a common emotion, often triggered by specific situations. When you're anxious, you might experience a faster heart rate, higher blood pressure, and other physical symptoms. However, for some, anxiety becomes a regular, nearly daily occurrence. You may wake up feeling uneasy or find yourself overwhelmed with worry later in the day for no apparent reason. When these feelings persist, it could indicate an anxiety disorder. Anxiety Disorders are classified into different types, and understanding which type you have is important for determining the right treatment. Below are the five main types of anxiety disorders recognized by mental health professionals. Panic Disorder Panic disorder is one of the most well-known anxiety disorders. It’s characterized by sudden and intense episodes of anxiety, often without any clear cause. People with panic disorder may experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating. They might also have psychological symptoms such as feelings of unreality or fear of losing control. It's not uncommon for those with panic disorder to mistake their symptoms for a heart attack, which can lead to emergency room visits.

2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, paired with repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing that anxiety. For example, someone with OCD may obsess over cleanliness or germs, leading them to wash their hands compulsively. Others might develop an obsession with avoiding certain patterns or behaviors, like not stepping on cracks in the sidewalk, and will go to great lengths to avoid them. Social Anxiety Disorder Also known as social phobia, social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social situations. People with this disorder often worry excessively about embarrassing themselves or being judged negatively by others. This fear can be limited to specific situations, like attending parties, or it can be more general, affecting nearly any social interaction. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may have flashbacks or intrusive memories of the event, which can cause extreme anxiety. Common triggers for PTSD include natural disasters, violence, accidents, or war. To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must persist for at least one month after the traumatic event.

3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most prevalent form of chronic anxiety. People with GAD feel anxious most of the time without a clear cause. Their anxiety is often generalized, leading to excessive worrying about various aspects of life, such as health, finances, or everyday situations. For a diagnosis of GAD, symptoms must be present for at least six months. GAD tends to run in families and is more common in women than men. The Bottom Line Anxiety can manifest in different forms, and only a trained psychiatrist or psychologist can provide an accurate diagnosis. Fortunately, effective treatments exist, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches. Additionally, self-help strategies such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and guided imagery can also help manage symptoms. Contact Insight Therapy LLC To get the more information, contact Insight Therapy LLC. Website: https://www.insighttherapyllc.com/ Contact No: (217) 383-0151 Address: 3362 Big Pine Trail, Suite A, Champaign, Illinois 61822