Types of Anxiety
The information provided below is not comprehensive, but rather provides a general overview of the most common associated features.
*These are the most common types of anxiety, but this is a very broad category with a lot of nuances.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition of excessive worry about everyday issues and situations that last longer than 6 months. The individual often knows their anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for, but they still can't stop worrying.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is defined by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and anxieties (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and impair ability to function. Trying to stop the obsessions only increases the anxiety until the person is compelled to complete the ritual that eases the stress. OCD often centers around certain themes — for example, an excessive fear of getting contaminated by germs. To ease your contamination fears, you may compulsively wash your hands until they're sore and chapped.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is triggered by a terrifying event — either experienced or witnessed. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but if the symptoms persist for greater than 1 month and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, it may be PTSD.
Panic Attacks is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. It may feel like you are having a heart attack. Panic attacks typically peak after just a few minutes, but feelings of fatigue may linger. Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition of excessive worry about everyday issues and situations that last longer than 6 months. The individual often knows their anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for, but they still can't stop worrying.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is defined by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and anxieties (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and impair ability to function. Trying to stop the obsessions only increases the anxiety until the person is compelled to complete the ritual that eases the stress. OCD often centers around certain themes — for example, an excessive fear of getting contaminated by germs. To ease your contamination fears, you may compulsively wash your hands until they're sore and chapped.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is triggered by a terrifying event — either experienced or witnessed. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but if the symptoms persist for greater than 1 month and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, it may be PTSD.
Panic Attacks is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. It may feel like you are having a heart attack. Panic attacks typically peak after just a few minutes, but feelings of fatigue may linger. Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.
If you would like to be evaluated for an Anxiety Disorder or seek pharmacological treatment.