Types of Anxiety Disorders: What They Are and How They Differ

Everyone is familiar with anxiety: before an exam, a conversation with a manager, an important decision. It is a normal reaction to stress. But if the worry does not go away, intensifies, and interferes with life, this is referred to as an anxiety disorder.

What an anxiety disorder is and how it differs from ordinary anxiety

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders with pronounced unfounded anxiety or fear. Anxiety is a feeling of worry about upcoming events, while fear is a reaction to what is happening now. With a disorder, a person may sweat, feel restless and tense, and their heartbeat quickens. Ordinary anxiety helps to focus and mobilizes. With a disorder, fear is not temporary; it can be all-consuming and affect work, study, and relationships.

Main types of anxiety disorders

Several varieties are distinguished. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is constant excessive worry about health, money, work, and family almost every day for at least 6 months. Panic disorder manifests as sudden recurrent attacks of intense fear without real danger, which last several minutes or longer. Specific phobias are a pronounced fear of objects or situations that pose almost no threat: spiders, flying, crowds. Social anxiety disorder is a fear of social situations. Agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, selective mutism, and situational anxiety are also distinguished. Several disorders at once are often present.

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Specific phobias and social anxiety
• Separation anxiety and situational anxiety

Anxiety-phobic disorder

Phobias are an intense fear of something that poses almost no danger: spiders, flying, crowds, social situations. According to the behavioral model, a neutral stimulus combined with a frightening event begins to cause fear, and then anxiety spreads to similar situations. This is how phobias form.

Avoidant personality disorder

The list of types of anxiety disorders mentions anxious personality disorder; a common feature of anxiety disorders may be avoidance of usual activities.

Separation and anticipatory anxiety

The list of types includes an anxiety disorder in children caused by separation. In panic disorder, the factors are joined by anxious anticipation of another attack, closing the "vicious circle of fear": bodily sensation — attention to it — negative interpretation — anxiety — intensification of sensations — panic.

When a specialist consultation is needed

You should consult a doctor if anxiety persists most of the time, interferes with daily life, and is poorly controlled. The doctor will ask about complaints and history, may perform an examination and tests to rule out other causes, and refer for a psychological assessment. A diagnosis of GAD is possible with typical symptoms if anxiety affects life and lasts at least 6 months. Treatment may include psychotherapy and medications, but only a specialist selects them.

An anxiety disorder by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if the condition is life-threatening.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: if anxiety interferes with your life, discuss it with a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer