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Anxiety Disorder Types

There are five types of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH.) Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear of normal situations, such as taking a test or driving a car, that interfere with everyday life. The five anxiety disorders are usually treatable with a combination of therapy and medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines.

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    • Those who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder are afflicted with a lot of worry on a regular basis, even when life is not challenging, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. GAD sufferers often have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling and muscle aches.

    Panic Disorder

    • Panic disorder is when someone suffers from sudden attacks of fear that feel like impending doom, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These can come and go without warning, and are usually accompanied by chest pain, nausea and feeling out of control or out of touch with reality.

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Those with obsessive-compulsive disorder have constant worries and attempt to relieve them through rituals such as excessive hand washing, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Not performing the rituals can lead to symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs in some people who survive a traumatic event such as a car accident or military combat, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. People with PTSD have unwanted thoughts of the trauma and usually have sleeping problems and are easily alarmed.

    Social Anxiety Disorder

    • Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by intense fear of embarrassment in everyday social situations, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Excessive sweating, nausea and difficulty conversing are some of the symptoms sufferers may experience in social situations.

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