Though it is normal for a person to have some level of anxiety within, sometimes these levels tend to exceed the normal limits leading to serious disorders that may require professional attention. Basically, anxiety is part of our body’s defense system. It creates the necessary alert if incase of any oncoming threat. For people suffering from anxiety disorders, their minds tend to initiate false threat alarms thereby causing abnormal body reactions. Here is a look at some common types of anxiety disorders.
Six Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Type #1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This is the most common type of anxiety disorder. It is characterized by prolonged periods of anxiety. Usually the cause of this anxiety cannot be established without proper diagnosis. Persons suffering from GAD tend to posses persistent fear coupled with a strong concern for the basic everyday matters. As a result, a person suffering from this condition may find it very hard keeping promises and meeting obligations due to the lack of proper concentration. In most cases, this condition is propelled by drug and substance abuse. A person suffering from GAD tends to appear pale and strained.
- Type #2 Panic Disorder
Just as the name suggests, a person diagnosed with this condition tends to suffer from apprehension and terror. In most instances, such people often tremble, shake, appear confused, constantly feel dizzy and in some cases have difficulties breathing. The effects of panic disorder peak within 10 minutes and can last for up to several hours. The commonly known panic disorder triggers include: fear, some types of exercises and stress though the exact cause is still not apparent. People suffering from panic disorders experience a change in the rate of their heartbeat. Panic disorder can also lead to oversensitivity (hypervigilance). Most people who suffer from this medical condition tend to avoid places that they associate with panic. For instance, if the initial panic occurred onboard a ship, someone suffering from panic disorder may find the sight of ships quite unfriendly.
- Type #3 Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
A person suffering from social anxiety disorder tends to develop an intense fear of social embarrassment, humiliation or public exposure. This fear can be traced to specific social situations but most commonly it is experienced in the event of unusual social interactions (such as meeting new people). SAD physical symptoms include sweating, blushing and difficulties speaking. Just like with all other types of anxiety disorders, people suffering from social anxiety disorder will tend to avoid the source of anxiety. In severe cases SAD can lead to social isolation.
- Type #4 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by repetitive obsessions and compulsions. For instance, the affected person experiences distressing or persistent thoughts to perform some acts or rituals. If a person is obsessed with hygiene, he might tend to wash his hands too often than normal. In other cases if a person is overly concerned about his personal security, you might find that he’ll tend to check whether the door is properly locked again and again.
- Type #5 Post Traumatic Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is caused by certain traumatizing events in someone’s life. For instance, if someone happened to experience a traumatic event in his life, then these images may continue to haunt him for the rest of his life. People who suffer from post traumatic disorders have probably suffered from the following incidences at one point in time: bomb blasts, plane crash, child abuse or natural calamities. The most common effects associated with PTSD include: irritability, loss of interest and insomnia. - Type #6 Childhood Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a common scenario among children. Children suffering from anxiety disorder have difficulties learning, concentrating, deciding, interacting or socializing. According to statistics, at least 1 in every 10 kids suffers from this type of disorder. If left unattended to, this disorder can lead to poor academic performance as well as social alienation. A child may also suffer from related eating disorders and depression.
