6 types of anxiety

There are six recognized anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things.
  
• Individuals with GAD experience exaggerated worry and tension and often expect the worst to happen, without reason for concern.
• They may anticipate disaster, and/or worry extensively about money, health, family, work or other common stressors. 

Social Anxiety Disorder

• Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or performance situations
• Individuals with social anxiety often avoid social settings because they are constantly worrying about the opinions of others
• It is a common misconception that social anxiety is simply shyness. This is not the case.
  

Specific Phobia

• Specific phobias are characterized by strong irrational fear reactions. Individuals with specific phobias make efforts to avoid common places, situations, or objects even though they know there's no threat or danger. 
• Individuals feel powerless to stop the fear, despite knowing it may be irrational

• Specific phobias are often related to animals, insects, germs, heights, thunder, driving, public transportation, flying, dental or medical procedures, and elevators.

Panic disorder/agoraphobia (PD/A)

• Characterized by an individual having spontaneous seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and a preoccupation with the fear of a recurring attack. 
  
• Panic disorder may lead to agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is characterized by avoidance of places in which a panic attack previously occurred.
• Individuals with agoraphobia may also avoid situations in which they feel immediate escape may be difficult                      

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Post Traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a serious potentially debilitating condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic of disturbing event
• These include: natural disaster, serious accident, sudden death of a loved one, war, violent personal assault, or other life-threatening events.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Children and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can't seem to get out of their heads (obsessions), often compelling them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviours and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety.
  
• Most people who have OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, yet they feel powerless to stop them.
• Compulsions can become excessive, and may interfere with one's ability to live their daily life

All are characterized by intense fear, anxious arousal, irrational thoughts and avoidance

This list is just an overview of these disorders. If you are interested in the diagnostic criteria, refer to Edition 5 of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-V). 

Physical symptoms

Panic Attack Symptoms

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
• Feelings of choking
• Feeling like there is a lump in your throat
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
• Chills or heat sensations
• Numbness or tingling sensations in arms, legs, and face
• Derealization/Dissociation (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy"

• Fear of dying
• Feeling the need to escape the situation, or run away

It is not uncommon to have some, but not all of these symptoms, as well as experiencing different symptoms over time. Do not be afraid if your anxiety begins to manifest itself in a different way. You are likely just learning skills to cope with the other symptoms!

You may like to try this screening tool for panic disorder , and see a doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms.








Sources:
 Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada
 Anxiety and Depression Association of America