Anxiety is an ordinary human emotion that is part of everyday life. Anxiety can only be considered a disorder when it causes severe distress or prevents a person from living a normal life. This includes school, work, relationships, and enjoyment activities. Anxiety disorders can last for years and do not disappear on their own. Many people who suffer from anxiety disorders don’t get the help they need. This can lead to depression. If there aren’t any other issues or challenges, an anxiety specialist can treat you with short-term therapy.
These are the major types of anxiety disorder.
Phobias
Phobias refer to an intense fear of certain animals, objects, or situations, Fear of spiders, dogs, heights or blood draws, as well as fear of the dentist and other people. Persons with phobias either avoid or try to avoid the situation or object they fear or face extreme distress. Before a fear can be considered a phobia, it must last for at least six months. Age-appropriate fears in children are not the same thing as phobias. For example, a 3-year-old is afraid of the dark.
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized anxiety concerns people who worry about many different things, such as school performance, job performance, finances, and natural disasters. These worries can be difficult to manage and are often recurrent, making it difficult to concentrate on your activities. Worries can be so frequent and intense that it is difficult to focus and can cause headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and irritability.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder occurs when panic attacks get in the way or hinder their lives in some way. Panic attacks may include racing heart, rapid breathing, and chest pain. They can also cause dizziness or nausea. Panic attacks can also be triggered by fear of losing control or of going insane. Panic attacks may be caused by something or can happen out of the blue. They typically peak at around 15 minutes. You don’t have to suffer from panic disorder to experience panic attacks.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a fear of being judged by others. It is often accompanied by intense discomfort in interacting with other people. An individual may feel afraid to say the wrong thing or be embarrassed. Anxiety can manifest in a single situation such as presenting at school or in multiple situations in which a child feels uncomfortable with adults and peers. The person suffering from anxiety might avoid socializing with others but feel comfortable with their family and friends. An anxious person may request that others speak on their behalf, such as ordering food at a restaurant. There is a distinction between shyness, social anxiety disorder, and shyness.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were previously grouped with anxiety disorders. However, they now fall under their category due to the unique causes and brain structures that they involve and distinct treatments.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder occurs when someone is worried about losing or being separated from a caregiver. While separation anxiety is a natural part of a child’s development, it can also be detrimental to their ability to develop. Separation anxiety can lead to thoughts about what might happen to the caregiver if they are separated. It is important to remember that anxiety can be treated and is common. You can reach out to your primary care physician or mental health provider if your child experiences anxiety that is preventing them from fulfilling their responsibilities, such as school, chores, medical care, and relationships.