Types of anxiety disorders

With anxiety, the person has an unpleasant emotional state accompanied by changes similar to those caused by fear. The state might arise suddenly or develop gradually over time. When these changes start affecting the person’s ability to function and do not go away within a few days, the person may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are many types of anxiety disorders. The main types are:

• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Phobias

Panic Disorder

People with panic attacks suffer from sudden attacks of fear. They often have a rapid heartbeat, sweating, feeling of choking, and fear of losing control, going crazy, or even dying. The attacks build up quickly and last for about 10 minutes. If these attacks persist and the individual is always concerned about having these attacks, they are considered to have a panic disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Some people with OCD have thoughts they can’t get out of their head, such as that something bad is going to happen to them or a family member. Others feel compelled to act in order to prevent a dreaded event they think could happen if they don’t perform a particular behavior. For example, people with OCD may wash their hands repeatedly to get rid of germs, or enact certain rituals such as counting or putting their books in alphabetical order.

We all have compulsions to some extent. Most of us have had the experience of wondering if we locked the door to our house or turned off the stove. But the person with OCD feels compelled to go back and check repeatedly. If such behavior starts being distressful and affects the quality of life, then the person might have OCD.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Many years ago, it was first reported that soldiers had recurring nightmares about things they had seen during the war. In our society, people who have witnessed a traumatic event, whether it is the murder of a loved one or a violent crime, or have been involved in a traumatic event such as a plane crash, are often deeply affected by the experience. Many are haunted by images they cannot get out of their mind, suffer recurring dreams, or even feel that the event is happening to them again. People with this disorder often report trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating, and are irritable and prone to attacks of anger.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People with GAD suffer from excessive worry and anxiety for at least a six-month period. They are often restless, can’t sleep, have difficulty concentrating, and experience muscle tension.

Phobias

Phobias can involve specific or general worries. Spiders may terrify one person, while another person fears being in public, open spaces. The person avoids any place or situation where there might be crowds or when help is unavailable in the event of developing sudden, paniclike symptoms. This is known as agoraphobia. People with agoraphobia refuse to leave their homes because they are afraid that they will have a panic attack if they do. Someone else may not be afraid of flying, but won’t fly because he or she fears getting a panic attack on the plane.

People with social phobias avoid situations where they will be exposed to new situations or scrutiny by others. Giving a speech is a common fear of many people. Who wants to make a mistake or appear
foolish to others? But when a person avoids all social situations out of fear of rejection and the feelings that it might bring, this can lead to a very lonely life.

Complications

Obviously, if you are feeling anxious, you are not feeling your best. Constantly being under stress, not sleeping well, and being afraid does not make for an ideal lifestyle. Those with OCD report that constantly checking and worrying about things leaves them exhausted. There is also a high correlation between anxiety and depression. Constant stress also can lead to cardiovascular complications. People with panic disorder and agoraphobia are at risk for suicide.

Short-term complications include:

Uncomfortable feelings and symptoms Inability to enjoy life Anticipatory anxiety that leads to the cancelation of many activities

Long-term complications include:

• Cardiovascular complications
• Agoraphobia
• Inability to enjoy life
• Depression
• Increased risk of suicide