Anxiety is a very broad term that encompasses many different types of anxiety disorders. Some of the most common anxiety disorder types include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing, excessive worry that may not have a clear cause. Symptoms can come and go, and GAD often occurs alongside depression or other anxiety disorders.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions), such as repeated handwashing, checking, or arranging items to relieve anxiety.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, intense anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the trauma.
- Panic Disorder: Characterized by sudden panic attacks with intense fear and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, or feeling out of control.
- Selective Mutism: A childhood anxiety disorder where a child can speak in comfortable settings but is unable to speak in certain social situations.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder: Common in children and marked by excessive fear or distress when separated from a parent or caregiver.
- Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety caused by the use, overuse, withdrawal from, or exposure to certain substances or toxins.
- Anxiety Due to a Medical Condition: Anxiety linked to physical health problems such as heart disease, thyroid disorders, chronic pain, COPD, diabetes, or gastrointestinal conditions.
