Anxiety is a natural response to stress. It is our body’s way of telling us there is a danger or threat, triggering feelings of fear, worry, and uneasiness. Anxiety is usually temporary. However, when people struggle with more persistent symptoms of anxiety—and those symptoms interfere with their quality of life—that can indicate an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can last for months or years, and require professional treatment.

There are many types of anxiety disorders. If you or your loved one is battling constant anxiety, knowing about the different disorders can help you better understand what’s going on. Being able to recognize the symptoms of each disorder, for example, can help you find the best possible course of treatment.

Let’s explore the different types of anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and how they are best treated.

7 Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common type of anxiety disorder you’ll come across. It’s characterized by excessive worry and fear, which limit a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. This worry and fear can stem from everyday concerns, like academic stress or family matters, but do not always have a rhyme or reason. Often, those with GAD do not know the exact root of their anxiety and stress, they just feel it constantly.

Generalized anxiety disorder tends to last for months or years. Those struggling with GAD tend to feel on edge, restless, and easily fatigued. Other symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:

• Physical pain (e.g. stomachaches, headaches, muscle tension) without explicable cause
• Difficulty concentrating and retaining information
• Problems with sleeping and/or insomnia
• Negative and uncontrollable thought patterns
• Irritability

2. Panic Disorder

The tell-tale characteristic of panic disorder is frequent and recurrent panic attacks. If your anxiety comes on suddenly and intensely, causing temporary moments of terror and distress, it’s possible you’re struggling with panic attacks. Panic attacks are unexpected episodes that occur without a clear danger present. They cause an array of powerful physical symptoms, including:

• Racing heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Chest or stomach pain
• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness
• Sweating or numbness
• A disconnect from reality

A panic attack can make you feel like the world is closing in. While they only last minutes (up to an hour), for those with panic disorder, they can also occur frequently. As a result, those with panic disorder will often avoid situations, places, and people that have been previously associated with their attacks. 

3. Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is caused by an intense fear of social situations and interactions. Those struggling with social anxiety often feel very self-conscious around other people, or experience constant worry that they’ll be humiliated or judged by others. As such, they may avoid social situations altogether—in extreme scenarios, preventing them from attending school, work, or other crowded environments.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include:

• Low self-esteem
• Complete avoidance of social activities
• Panic attacks when social interaction is forced
• Extreme quietness and inability to contribute to conversations
• Blushing, sweating, or trembling in social scenarios
• Feelings of impending doom before social events

4. Specific Phobias

Phobia-related disorders are characterized by intense, irrational fears of a specific object, situation, or activity—like heights or medical procedures. While many people have fears, a phobia goes beyond everyday discomfort. It can trigger immediate anxiety and lead someone to go out of their way to avoid the source of that fear, even when it poses little to no danger. Over time, this avoidance can interfere with daily routines and limit opportunities or experiences.

Examples of specific phobias include agoraphobia (fear of public places), claustrophobia (fear of closed-in spaces), and aerophobia (flying), to name a few. Symptoms can vary person-to-person, but generally include:

• Intense, immediate fear or panic when exposed to the object or situation
• Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Sweating, shaking, or nausea
• Feeling out of control when confronted with the trigger
• Avoidance of that particular thing, so much it disrupts daily life
• Recognizing the fear is irrational, but feeling powerless to stop it

5. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children, but can affect people of all ages. This type of anxiety disorder triggers excessive fear or distress when a person is apart from loved ones. This fear goes beyond what’s considered developmentally appropriate (e.g. a child being dropped off in daycare) and can make it difficult for people to attend school, go to work, or even leave home. Adults with separation anxiety may also experience persistent worry about the safety of those they’re close to.

Other symptoms of separation anxiety disorder include:

• Difficulty being alone or away from home
• Intense distress when anticipating or experiencing separation
• Physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, or stomachaches when separated
• Persistent worry about loved ones being harmed
• Refusal to go to school, work, or other places due to fear of separation

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

While now its own category in the DSM-5, obsessive-compulsive disorder was once diagnosed as a type of anxiety disorder. OCD is marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions). These compulsions are often performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety or, for many individuals, prevent something bad from happening. OCD can become time-consuming and distressing, interfering with a person’s ability to function in everyday life, because of these repetitive rituals. Symptoms of OCD often include:

• Recurrent, intrusive thoughts or fears 
• Compulsive behaviors like excessive cleaning, checking, or counting
• Temporary relief after completing a compulsion, followed by recurring anxiety
• Difficulty controlling or stopping obsessive thoughts
• Significant time spent on obsessions or compulsions each day

7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Also deserving a spot in this list is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which was also historically a type of anxiety disorder and now has its own diagnosis. PTSD is a type of mental health condition caused by a specific event or experience. People usually develop PTSD after witnessing a traumatic event, such as an accident, natural disaster, violence, or loss.

Of course, not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when a person experiences chronic levels of anxiety and distress, long after an event has passed. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and a person’s sense of safety:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Avoidance of places, people, or situations that serve as reminders
• Heightened reactions, such as being easily startled or constantly on edge
• Difficulty concentrating or regulating emotions
• Feelings of detachment, guilt, or emotional numbness

It’s important to note that not all anxiety disorders fit into a specific box or “type.” There are various symptoms, phobias, and even substance-induced disorders that one can experience without falling into a clinical category—and these conditions are still very real. If you are struggling with different or very specific symptoms, and they are disrupting your day-to-day life, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional for treatment advice.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

No matter what type of anxiety disorder you’re facing, getting help is important. Most cases of anxiety disorders will significantly improve with professional support. If you are experiencing any of the below, please do not hesitate to reach out to your physician or a mental health professional:

• The symptoms of anxiety interfere with your work, relationships, and other parts of life
• Your fear and worry are overwhelming and difficult to control
• Your anxiety has started to impact your physical health and well-being
• You are using drugs or alcohol to cope with your anxiety
• You have suicidal thoughts or are exhibiting behaviors of self-harm

There is help available to you. If you are not sure where to turn, you can always reach out to Turnbridge for support at 877-581-1793. 

Every anxiety disorder is unique, just like every person is unique. Even if your symptoms fall into a specific diagnosis, it’s important that your treatment plan is designed uniquely for you. The most effective treatment for anxiety is one that takes into consideration your mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as your background and needs. It will involve a combination of treatment approaches, such as:

• Psychotherapy (i.e. talk therapy), including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Group therapy, or peer support groups, allowing you to connect with others
• Medication, such as antianxiety medication or antidepressants if applicable
• Lifestyle changes, including an exercise routine, stress management tactics, and nutrition planning
• Complementary therapeutic approaches, such as meditation, art or music therapy, and other holistic techniques

It can take time to find the best course of treatment, or combination of treatments, for anxiety. Talking to your doctor or a mental health treatment professional is a great way to start the process. You should never feel like you are navigating this journey alone. 

Turnbridge is a mental health treatment provider offering personalized, evidence-based treatment plans for young adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety (and other co-occurring conditions). If you are exploring your treatment options, or simply need advice on where to start, you can always contact us. 

Call 877-581-1793 today, or visit us online to explore our treatment programs.