Build Your Body

Panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder are just some of the different types of anxiety disorders that affect millions of adult Americans every year. Anxiety disorder and anxiety problems are more common in women than in men, and are identified by extreme feelings of panic, worry, or a preoccupation with negative events that could occur in the person’s life.

According to WebMD.com, an anxiety disorder “is a serious mental illness. People suffering from it often show excessive fear, worry, or irrational behavior in response to everyday situations. However, there are different forms of anxiety disorder. Knowing which type of disorder a person is afflicted with can greatly help in treating and coping with the condition. Below are some of the most common anxiety disorders.

1. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This disorder is associated with obsessive rituals and behaviors that help the person reduce feelings of fear or anxiety when they’re performed. To illustrate, someone who fears catching a disease from microorganisms may constantly use a hand sanitizer or an anti-bacterial spray.

2. Social anxiety disorder. eople who excessively worry what others may think about them may suffer from this disorder. The person suffering from this type of anxiety disorder usually fears being judged, ridiculed or shamed by others, so they avoid social situations altogether.

3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This type of anxiety disorder is the most common among adult men and women in the United States, and consists of constant worry, angst or tension about situations that may not be in proportion with the actual circumstance or event. This can turn into a problem when it interferes with relationships, work or the person’s emotional health.

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This anxiety disorder typically occurs after someone has survived a particularly terrifying or traumatic event. The person may have nightmares or recurrent memories about the event, and can have difficult functioning in everyday life. Some people suffering from PTSD may experience extreme fear or anxiety from a mildly stressful event. This happens because the mildly stressful event serves as a trigger for the person to relive his or her past experience.

5. Agoraphobia and other irrational fears. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of having a panic attack in a public situation that could cause severe embarrassment. Other phobias related to anxiety disorders are often experienced by those who have been diagnosed with panic disorder and other disorders, and are rooted in feelings of being ashamed or judged about their problem.  The “anxiety about anxiety” is a hallmark trait of these types of phobias. Another common anxiety problem that falls in this category is the fear of driving.

These are just some of the most common anxiety and panic disorders afflicting people all over the globe. People who have undergone a traumatic incidence, have a difficulty dealing with stress, and those with a family history of anxiety issues are more prone to these disorders. Identifying the type of anxiety problem is the first step towards treatment, and there are several effective treatments available.