There are different types of anxiety disorders that are very common today. Those can leave an individual constantly overwhelmed, worried, and nervous. Although some temporary anxiousness can be considered “normal,” some can really get between you and living your best life. Understanding whether or not a person has an anxiety disorder can make a world of a difference in getting the needed help or not.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD features symptoms of anxiety in response to an irrational fear of germs or contamination, fear of angry or aggressive impulses, or an obsessive need for orderliness, cleanliness, or symmetry. In response to the fear, individuals access compulsive behaviors to help manage the anxiety that the irrational obsession induces.

Panic Disorder 

Panic disorder features unpredictable and intense physical symptoms similar to a heart attack, such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, chest pain, and dizziness. Because the attacks come on suddenly without warning, people begin to isolate themselves to avoid a panic attack, which could result in agoraphobia.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety is characterized by a deep fear of being judged and humiliated publicly, to the point that the individual avoids all types of social interaction and events. This can lead to isolation and loneliness, as well as negatively impacting career opportunities and relationships.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by extreme worry that is out of proportion to the situation. The exaggerated and chronic worrying can result in an inability to function at basic daily tasks, and physical ailments, such as headache, stomach problems, and muscle tension.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is related to the anxiety spectrum due to the intense feelings of anxiety that a past trauma provokes. An unresolved traumatic event, whether witness or experienced personally, leads to nightmares, hyper-arousal, and unwanted memories, which can cause the person to avoid any situations or people that might trigger the traumatic memories.

Phobias

Phobias pertain to the intense and exaggerated fear of a person, place, or thing. The object of fear can lead to irrational and obsessive behaviors as the individual attempts to avoid encountering or triggering the extreme fear that it provokes, leading to avoiding any potential exposure to the specific phobia.

Brain chemistry 

A malfunction in stress hormone production, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can lead to symptoms of anxiety.

Genetics

A family history of anxiety disorders increases one’s chance of also developing one.

Trauma

Experiencing physical or sexual abuse, sudden loss of a loved one, combat stress, or a serious accident can lead to an anxiety disorder.

Chronic Stress

Unrelenting stress caused by pressures at work, financial problems, or marital problems can contribute to anxiety disorder.

Personality

Certain personality traits may predispose an individual to anxiety.

Medication

A doctor may prescribe an antidepressant, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotic medication, or a combination of to help adjust the patient’s brain chemistry.

Psychotherapy for different types of anxiety disorder

Through psychotherapy, patients learn how to manage their internal voice that can lead to anxious behavior. Individual and group-based therapy sessions allow patients to learn new thought patterns to help understand fears behind their own anxieties.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy can provide treat anxiety through activities that help induce relaxation and relieve stress. Such practices can involve meditation, yoga, guided imagery, mindfulness training, as well as Jacuzzi and massage therapy.

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