Different forms of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), approximately 40 million adults aged 18 or older are affected by anxiety disorders. Although anxiety is a normal response to stress, when it becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with daily life. In this post, we'll take a look at some common forms of anxiety disorders.

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is a persistent and excessive worry about everyday activities and events. People with GAD often have recurring thoughts or fret over decisions they have made. They may be indecisive, feel nervous, or experience physical symptoms, such as restlessness, fatigue, and muscle tension.

2. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by an excessive fear of negative evaluation in social situations. People with SAD may fear social interactions, avoid gatherings or meetings and have trouble maintaining eye contact. It can lead to extreme nervousness and apprehension about any upcoming social occasion.

3. Panic Disorder (PD): A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fearfulness and physical symptoms, including heart palpitations, sweating, and difficulty breathing, among others. Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences recurrent panic attacks, has excessive anxiety about panic attacks, and takes steps to avoid triggers, such as driving or leaving their home.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Obsessions are disturbing thoughts, images, or impulses that recur and persist despite repeated attempts to ignore them. Compulsions are actions that an individual feels compelled to perform repeatedly to lower their level of anxiety. People with OCD may have persistent and excessive worries about cleanliness and hygiene, or order and symmetry in workplaces or home environments.

In conclusion, anxiety disorders are prevalent and can affect anyone. However, by identifying the type of anxiety disorder an individual has, they can seek management and treatment early on. It is also important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider if their anxiety levels exceed the norm.