Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, but when it lasts long after a threat and interferes with your life, it could turn into an anxiety disorder. Here’s a breakdown of the major types of anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and how they’re diagnosed and treated.
Anxiety disorders involve intense worry and fear, even in everyday situations. This intensity can interfere with various aspects of your life from work and school to relationships and self-care. However, anxiety isn’t one disorder by itself. In fact, there are several different types of anxiety disorders, each with different symptoms and criteria.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, affects millions of Americans and turns everyday concerns into overwhelming fears that can take over one’s life. Unlike occasional worry that comes and goes, GAD’s symptoms are persistent and difficult to control.
Recent data shows this condition is surprisingly common. Approximately one in five adults experienced anxiety symptoms during a two-week period in 2022.
Common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:
GAD can be caused by a number of factors. For some, traumatic experiences can change how the brain processes potential threats. Others develop GAD during periods of prolonged or intense stress that overwhelm their natural coping mechanics. Medical conditions, like chronic illnesses, carry with them ongoing uncertainty, which can also trigger or worsen anxiety disorders.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) happens when our minds struggle to process extremely stressful or terrifying experiences. Unlike normal stress that goes away when danger passes, PTSD is the brain’s ongoing attempt to make sense of overwhelming events.
More than 70% of people experience at least one severe trauma in their lifetime. Of those, about 10% will develop PTSD. This tells us that while trauma is common, not everyone is susceptible to this mental health condition.
Like other anxiety disorders, PTSD can result from various experiences, such as combat situations, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, sexual assault, or witnessing a really terrible accident.
Symptoms of this disorder include:
What makes PTSD especially challenging is that it disrupts a person’s relationship with their memories and emotions. The past becomes the present while creating gaps in normal memory function.
Many people around the world have a phobia. Unlike normal fears that come and go, phobias involve excessive and persistent fear reactions that are out of proportion to the actual danger.
When someone is exposed to their phobia trigger, the response is immediate and intense. Their body goes into a full fight-or-flight response, even if they rationally understand that their reaction is extreme.
Phobias can be divided into three categories: Social phobias (now social anxiety disorder), agoraphobia (fear of places where escape might be difficult), and specific phobias. Examples of specific phobias include:
What makes phobias different from general anxiety is that they’re more specific. Someone with a phobia might function well in most situations but experience extreme distress in specific circumstances.
Symptoms of phobias can include:
Social Anxiety Disorder causes intense fear and anxiety during social interactions. People with this condition experience overwhelming worry about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated by others.
This disorder can be detrimental, affecting professional opportunities, academic performance, and personal relationships. Many people with social anxiety find it challenging to develop and maintain friendships despite wanting social connection.
Research shows that social anxiety typically emerges during teenage years, with 90% of cases developing before age 23. It ranks as the third most common mental health disorder.
People with social anxiety often experience these symptoms in social situations:
Selective mutism is another type of anxiety disorder in which individuals find speaking difficult or impossible in certain social situations. It often begins in childhood; however, if left untreated, it can persist into adulthood.
People with selective mutism may:
Selective mutism rarely occurs by itself. About 68% of children with this disorder also have social phobia, while 32% experience separation anxiety as well.
Anxiety is usually diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker. During your appointment, you can expect:
After gathering this information, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you.They’ll explain your diagnosis and then present to you treatment options that best fit your situation.
While there is no cure for anxiety, there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms. For example, medications that may be used to treat anxiety include:
Each of these medications affect brain chemistry in different ways. Research has even confirmed that most SSRIs and SNRIs have greater efficacy than placebo in treating GAD.
Therapy is another treatment option for anxiety disorders:
Many mental health providers may recommend combining therapy with medication for better results, especially if anxiety is moderate to severe.
Lastly, building healthy habits alongside your treatment plan can help you better manage your condition. Consider the following habits:
Living with anxiety doesn’t mean you have to face these challenges alone. At Cura Behavioral Health, our team of experienced professionals understands the complexity of anxiety disorders and offers evidence-based treatments customized to your specific needs. To learn more about how we can help you develop the tools and strategies to manage your anxiety, call us today.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among Adults: United States, 2019 and 2022 – CDC
Post-traumatic stress disorder: a psychiatric disorder requiring urgent attention – Medical Review
Swipe left or right: New study examines social anxiety in adolescents – Temple University
Selective Mutism As It Develops Over Time: A General Overview – OxJournal
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
