Persistent severe anxiety can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder. There are various types of anxiety disorders, and here are some of the most common. These brief descriptions are for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis. If any of these conditions resonate with you, I recommend seeking support from a qualified anxiety counsellor or anxiety therapist, such as myself.

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Agoraphobia:

Agoraphobia is characterised by the fear of being in situations where one might experience anxiety or panic, with the concern that escaping could be difficult or embarrassing. While this fear often involves public places like shopping centres, public transportation, or open spaces, the anxiety typically revolves around the possibility of having a panic attack. Learn more about understanding and overcoming agoraphobia.

 

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

GAD involves the persistent and excessive experience of anxiety or worry, not necessarily about anything specific, that the individual finds difficult to manage or control. The individual's worries relate not just to specific stressful situations, but they may also relate to several aspects of everyday life, including work, health, family, relationships or financial issues. GAD can feel like a constant state of dread with little respite from the anxious state.

 

Health Anxiety (Hypochondria):

Health anxiety refers to an ongoing fear or obsession with having or developing a serious illness, despite little or no physical evidence. Harmless physical symptoms may be misinterpreted as signs of severe medical conditions. Individuals with health anxiety often engage in excessive self-examination and self-diagnosis. Learn more about health anxiety, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

In OCD, obsessions encompass unwelcome, recurring, and persistent thoughts or desires that the individual attempts to manage but finds exceedingly challenging to eradicate. These constant thoughts often lead to notable anxiety or distress. Conversely, compulsions are irresistible urges compelling the individual to engage in repetitive actions or rituals, all in an effort to alleviate their anxiety. For example, an individual preoccupied with the fear of infection may compulsively wash their hands or clean their surroundings excessively. Discover more about understanding and overcoming OCD.

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Panic Disorder:

Panic attacks are unexpected surges of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes, often accompanied by physical or cognitive symptoms. The panic attack may or may not occur for an apparent reason. Sometimes, people experiencing a panic attack think they are having a heart attack or dying. Panic disorder is the term used to describe recurrent panic attacks or persistent fears of having one for more than a month or behavioural changes due to these experiences. Learn more about understanding and overcoming panic disorder.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

PTSD is a particular set of reactions that can develop in individuals who have experienced an extremely traumatic event(s) that threatened their life or safety or that of others around them. In this condition, the individual often re-experiences the traumatic event(s). This experience may be accompanied by ongoing symptoms of nightmares, flashbacks of the event, difficulty relaxing, and the avoidance of anything related to the event. As a result, the person may experience feelings of intense fear, helplessness or horror. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences these types of events will necessarily develop PTSD. Learn more about PTSD, its symptoms, causes, and pathways to recovery.

 

Social Anxiety:

Social anxiety involves intense fear or anxiety related to specific social interactions or situations where one might be observed or expected to speak. Common triggers include meeting new people, eating or drinking in public, or public speaking. The fear often stems from concerns about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected, leading to avoidance of these situations. This avoidance can limit the individual's social and professional life. Learn more about understanding and overcoming social anxiety.

 

Specific Phobia:

Specific phobias are characterised by significant fear or anxiety related to specific objects or situations, such as spiders, heights, or flying. The fear is disproportionate to the actual threat posed and typically leads to immediate anxiety or avoidance of the feared situation. Learn more about understanding and overcoming specific phobias.

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