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Guarding our mental health is becoming more difficult in today’s high-stress world, and it’s even harder for people who cope with the 6 types of anxiety disorders.
Being human means dealing with anxiety. It is impossible to avoid worry about loved ones, personal health, finances, or an endless number of other issues.
However, living with an anxiety disorder involves much more than a nagging fear or lingering dread.
Understanding the different types of anxiety disorders, as well as the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help people identify and overcome negative thought patterns.
It can also help people without excessive anxiety learn to have empathy for those who struggle with the 6 types of anxiety disorders.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States and around the world.
Nearly 20 percent of adults – around 40 million people – experience anxiety disorder in a given year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that leads to feelings of fear and dread, often prompting a physical response, such as an elevated heart rate, sweating and difficulty focusing. They can be so intense they disrupt a person’s ability to function normally.
People living with different types of anxiety disorders are often stigmatized for overreacting to situations or environments that others do not find at all stressful.
They are unable to control their response to stressful events because they are automatically reacting vs responding in a healthy manner.
There is also a spectrum of different types of anxiety disorders with varying diagnostic criteria.
What are the 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders?
The 6 types of anxiety disorders share common characteristics and the symptoms often overlap.
Living with this form of mental illness can be extremely difficult, but one of the keys to treatment and recovery is an accurate diagnosis.
Here are the 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders and is characterized by worry and excessive anxiety about an array different life situations, for more days than not for at least six months.
Typically a person suffering with generalized anxiety disorder finds it difficult, if not impossible, to control or suppress their anxiety levels.
2. Panic Disorder (PD)
Panic Disorder (PD) can develop for people who have had multiple panic attacks, or worry about having them.
Panic attacks are sudden surges of fear or severe discomfort that within minutes can grow in intensity and lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness, heart palpitations, sweats, trembling and even a fear of dying.
With panic disorder, the attacks are more frequent and include at least four severe symptoms.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is a very common type of anxiety. People with this condition experience a serious and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others in what might seem like normal environments to others.
The anxiety is typically out of proportion to the reality of the social situation, but people sometimes find it impossible to control the anxiety they’re experiencing.
Many celebrities with anxiety deal with this condition despite being in the public eye as part of their career.
4. Separation Anxiety Disorder
People with a diagnosis of Separation Anxiety Disorder battle an excessive and inappropriate fear of separation from someone they are attached to.
This can include the fear that harm may come to the person they are attached to, an inability to be alone without them, or the refusal to leave that person to go to school, work, or other activities.
5. Specific Phobias
Specific Phobias is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as a fear of spiders, a fear of flying, or seeing blood.
The specific situation or object tends to cause immediate anxiety that is out of proportion to the actual reality of the situation.
6. Agoraphobia
People suffering with Agoraphobia typically try to avoid being outside of the home alone or being in enclosed or crowded public spaces out of fear that they might not be able to escape if they develop symptoms of a panic attack.
Agoraphobia is similar to specific phobias, although the fear is related to not being able to escape the situation of being on an airplane if a panic attack occurs, whereas a specific phobia would actually be a fear of flying.
Other Types of Anxiety Disorders
The 6 types of anxiety disorders listed above are the most commonly diagnosed, although there are others with qualifying diagnostic criteria.
Some of these include:
- Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
- Selective Mutism (this is mostly for children)
Even though anxiety is not a mood disorder, the cause of a Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder is nearly the same as a substance induced mood disorder.
An anxiety hangover, known as Hangxiety, is a similar condition, although it is temporary and not considered a clinical disorder.
Anxiety Disorder Causes
There are many possible causes of anxiety and identifying the symptoms as they occur can help pinpoint why it is happening.
Some people with anxiety disorders assume the condition is caused by some moral failing, character flaw, or lack of inner strength. This is simply not the case.
Researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of the 6 types of anxiety disorders, but data shows there are a number of common factors at play.
Common Causes of Anxiety Disorders Include:
Genetics
Genetics plays a role with many mental health issues, and different types of anxiety disorders are often inherited from one or both parents who might have also had parents that suffered from issues of anxiety.
Brain Chemistry
Research has shown that chronic, prolonged stress can alter brain chemistry and affect a person’s overall mood and emotions. It’s quite common for chronic stress to lead to a person developing an anxiety disorder.
Environment
A chaotic or traumatic environment, whether current or past, can trigger serious anxiety issues and the development of an anxiety disorder.
This is especially true for people who are at a higher risk, such as those who had a parent or grandparent that also struggled with an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
While symptoms of anxiety disorders will vary in intensity and severity, the primary symptom is fear.
Being able to recognize the symptoms can help with treatment.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders include:
- Restlessness, feeling wound-up, or constantly on edge
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Mood swings, such as feeling afraid to feeling irritable
- Trouble concentrating or focusing
- Increased heart rate, chest pains, and sweats
- Trembling or dizziness
- Insomnia or inability to sleep due to excessive worry
- Headaches or body aches
- Digestive issues, such as diarrhea or nausea
- An overwhelming sense of impending doom
- Feeling as if you or events around you are completely out of control
While anxiety disorder symptoms may be more or less severe for each individual, the condition is likely to worsen without proper treatment.
The good news is that the 6 types of anxiety disorders are highly treatable, especially if treated early before they become more severe.
Anxiety Disorder Treatment
All types of anxiety disorders are legitimate health issues that require treatment for recovery, and they often will not go away on their own in most cases.
An open and honest discussion of symptoms with a family doctor might be the first place to begin. This is a helpful way to learn about the different types of anxiety disorders and develop a plan for treatment with a mental health professional.
One of the dangers of many types of anxiety disorders is self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms.
Prolonged use of drugs or alcohol can lead to a co-occurring disorder, which is the combination of a mental health disorder (anxiety) along with a substance use disorder (addiction).
For people who have developed a dependency to drugs or alcohol as a way to manage their symptoms, dual diagnosis treatment may be necessary to overcome both the substance use disorder and the anxiety disorder.
For most people, successfully treating anxiety disorders sometimes involves medications, therapy and counseling, or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes grounding techniques can also be effective.
1. Medications for Anxiety Disorders
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines like Xanax or Klonopin are sometimes prescribed to decrease anxiety symptoms and calm the brain. These are generally only prescribed for a short time because they can be habit forming and must be tapered off as prescribed.
Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft, or Prozac are sometimes prescribed as a type of medication for anxiety to regulate the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are usually prescribed for high blood pressure, but they may be helpful for reducing some of the physical effects of anxiety, such as a rapid heart rate, trembling, or shaking.
2. Therapy and Counseling for Anxiety Disorders
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist will help identify the roots causes of a person’s anxiety and find solutions or techniques that are useful for managing the triggers and symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a very effective approach for treating anxiety disorders. CBT teaches people to recognize negative thoughts and behaviors that lead to fear and worry, and offers tools for positively changing the unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure Therapy might sound radical or harsh, but it has shown to be useful for helping people with anxiety engage in environments or situations they have avoided through the use of relaxation and imagery exercises.
3. Lifestyle Changes
There’s a lot to be said about improving many mental health issues through proper diet, exercise, and adequate sleep, because they all work so well.
Making small changes to improve all three areas can instill a sense of accomplishment while reducing stress and anxiety.
School and work can be incredible stressors that cause anxiety for a lot of people. Take comfort in knowing that school won’t last forever.
If a career change is inevitable, there are many jobs for people with anxiety that make going to work each day less stressful and more enjoyable.
The 54321 Grounding Technique is one of the most effective tools for overcoming anxious thoughts when they occur.
Vagus nerve exercises can be helpful for calming the Autonomic Nervous System that controls the fight or flight response related to stress and anxiety.
There’s no shame in seeking help for anyone struggling with the 6 types of anxiety disorders and symptoms outlined here. Getting a diagnosis and treatment at the first sign of an issue will make it easier to recover and avoid years of living in fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of disorder is anxiety?
Anxiety is classified as a mental health disorder accompanied by symptoms of fear, dread, worry, and other behavioral issues that can make daily living difficult.
Everyone experiences anxiety, but when it becomes chronic and excessive, it can develop into one of the six types of anxiety disorders.
How many types of anxiety disorders are there?
The exact number of anxiety disorders varies depending on the diagnostic criteria and other factors.
There are at least 6 types of anxiety disorders recognized by mental health professionals, and several other conditions that overlap or are sometimes considered similar to anxiety disorders.
The 6 types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
Selective Mutism is considered a form of anxiety disorder that is generally specific to children.
How do anxiety disorders differ from normal anxiety?
Anxiety differs from anxiety disorders in a number of ways related to the onset, duration, intensity, triggers, and symptoms.
Anxiety
- Temporary response to a stressful situation that passes quickly and does not require treatment
- Does not impact daily life
- Can be managed and controlled easily
- Triggers are caused by realistic events or stressors
- Physical symptoms are not usually present
Anxiety Disorders
- Persistent, excessive state of worry that can last for months and often requires treatment
- Impairs daily life, relationships, work, and school
- Worry and fear feels uncontrollable
- Triggers are related to unrealistic threats or events
- Physical symptoms include excess sweating, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations
What are the signs anxiety is becoming an anxiety disorder?
Here are several signs acute anxiety is becoming a chronic anxiety disorder:
- Worry and fears are difficult to control and last for several months
- It interferes with work, school, or relationships
- Anxiety persists and causes problems sleeping, trouble concentrating, physical symptoms, and constant irritability
- People and places that cause anxiety are avoided
- Panic attacks occur and cause heart palpitations and trouble breathing
- Intrusive thoughts are impossible to control
- Alcohol or drugs are used to cope with the symptoms
What is the most common type of anxiety disorder?
It’s possible to experience any of the 6 types of anxiety disorders, although Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is probably the most common.
GAD affects approximately 4 percent of people, and it causes worry and anxiety almost every day for at least 6 months.
What is the most severe type of anxiety disorder?
It’s difficult to categorize any one type of anxiety disorder as the most severe because every person is different and each condition exhibits specific characteristics.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is the most common, while Panic Disorder can cause intense panic attacks. Specific Phobias can produce excessive fear and Social Anxiety Disorder leads to avoiding people and places.
Every one of these disorders decreases a person’s quality of life and the severity will be based on the intensity of each person’s condition.
Is OCD one of the main types of anxiety disorders?
OCD was previously considered one of the main types of anxiety disorders, but it was reclassified as ‘Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders’ in the current version of the DSM-5.
The new classification of OCD includes similar conditions such as hoarding disorder and body dysmorphic disorder.
Although anxiety is still a characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, the new classification places an emphasis on obsessions and compulsions as an underlying factor of the condition.
What type of doctor can treat anxiety disorders?
Primary Care Physicians can evaluate the condition but often refer patients to a specialist for treatment.
Psychiatrists can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medication to help with the symptoms.
Psychologists can diagnose anxiety disorders and offer psychotherapy treatment, but they do not prescribe medications.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications for anxiety disorders.
Therapists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers cannot prescribe medication or make a diagnosis, but they can offer various forms of psychotherapy for treating anxiety.
