Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but not everyone is able to cope with it. For some people, stress results in anxiety, a condition that affects an estimated 16 million Americans and more than 60 million people around the world.
An anxiety disorder is a mental condition in which people feel anxious about normal, everyday things. These things could be things that are happening in the present or things that have happened in the past.
An anxiety disorder can manifest in many different ways, so it’s important to know the different types so you can manage your stress more effectively.
If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety, the anxiety disorder information available online can be overwhelming, so we’ve broken down the most common types of anxiety disorders below. We have also outlined what you can do to help yourself or someone else who has an anxiety disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder is a condition that affects several American adults. It’s characterized by frequent and often exaggerated worries and concerns about both everyday situations and serious matters.
Individuals who suffer from GAD have an unrealistic idea of what’s regular regarding how much they should worry. The condition can go on for months or even years with no end.
The most common treatment for GAD is medication, but other options are available, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) from reputable anxiety treatment centers. CBT helps people understand their thought patterns and recognize behaviors that contribute to stress.
Panic Disorder
A person suffering from a panic disorder experiences sudden attacks of intense fear that peak within 10 minutes. These episodes can occur without warning, even when there’s no apparent trigger. They may also happen in response to an identifiable stressor.
During a panic attack, victims may experience sweating, shaking, shortness of breath or a feeling that something terrible is about to happen.
You can get help by reaching out for support from friends and family members who understand what you are going through. If they don’t understand your condition, seek out professional help .
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a severe mental disorder characterized by an overwhelming fear of situations where one might be evaluated, embarrassed or humiliated. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Extreme self-consciousness, avoidance of social problems.
- Frequent blushing.
- Feeling tense in unfamiliar social settings, panic attacks occur almost daily for more than six months.
If you think you may have SAD, it’s essential to seek help from a licensed professional. Your doctor can refer you to someone who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to treat SAD effectively. CBT teaches you coping skills that allow you to manage your emotions, so they don’t control you.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by distressing obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive thoughts, impulses or images that cause severe anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repeated behaviors that you feel an overwhelming urge to do to relieve your stress. The good news is there are many treatments available for OCD, including medication and therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The signs of PTSD include frequent, unwanted memories of a trauma; feelings that you are in danger even when there is no threat; nightmares about what happened; feeling emotionally numb or detached from others.
If you think you have PTSD, talk to your doctor or therapist. Medication may help reduce some symptoms but cognitive-behavioral therapy can also help lessen intrusive thoughts and emotional reactions.
In Summary
Everyone feels an increased level of anxiety when going through a change, such as a new job, relationship, school, or a major life event. It’s natural to worry about things when you’re anxious, so it’s important to know what type you have.
But with so many different anxiety disorders, it can be hard to know which type is yours. The list above should, however, help you get a vivid idea of what it might be.
While you may not be able to control your racing heart or excessive sweating, you can definitely control your anxiety disorder. Just keep in mind that it isn’t your fault as many people also suffer from anxiety disorders due to genetics or environmental factors. This will help you cope better with the anxiety disorder.
