Types of Anxiety Disorders

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions where fear, worry, and nervousness interfere with daily life. Unlike regular stress or nervousness, these disorders are persistent, excessive, and often hard to control. They include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias, and social anxiety disorder. (This is your quick anxiety disorders list.)

What is the mental disorder definition of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are defined as mental disorders characterised by excessive fear, worry, and related behavioural disturbances. The anxiety does not go away on its own and may worsen over time without treatment.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Anxiety disorder example:

A student worries constantly about exams, even when they are well-prepared, and also stresses excessively about small daily matters like being late to class or misplacing notes.

People with GAD:

• Feel anxious and worried most of the time, regardless of the situation.
• Worry about everyday activities such as family, work, or school.
• May react strongly to minor issues (e.g., a delayed bus feels like a major crisis).

Symptoms include:

• Restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches

Panic Disorder

What is panic disorder?

It’s when a person experiences sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort (panic attacks) without a clear reason.

Symptoms of panic attacks include:

• Sweating and trembling
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fear of losing control or dying

People often live in anticipatory anxiety, worrying about when the next attack will occur. This can lead to avoiding public spaces, exams, or social gatherings.

Agoraphobia

What is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is extreme anxiety about situations where escape might be difficult.

For example, someone avoids using public transport or going to crowded events because they fear being trapped or helpless.

Key features:

• Avoiding buses, malls, or enclosed spaces
• Fear lasting several months or more
• Severe cases may lead to being housebound

Specific Phobias

What are specific phobias?

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of particular objects or situations.

Examples of phobias:

• Fear of flying (aviophobia)
• Fear of spiders (arachnophobia)
• Fear of heights (acrophobia)

People with phobias know their fear is excessive but feel powerless to control it. For instance, a student might skip a class trip because it involves air travel.

Social Anxiety Disorder

What is social anxiety?

Also called social phobia, it is the intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations.

Anxiety disorder example: A young professional dreads giving a presentation. They feel nauseous, avoid eye contact, and worry for weeks before the event.

Common symptoms:

• Nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating
• Rigid body posture
• Soft speech, avoiding eye contact
• Panic attacks in social settings

Other Anxiety Disorders

• Selective Mutism: Difficulty speaking in specific social settings, usually in children.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear of being apart from loved ones.
• Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder: Caused by drugs, alcohol, or medications.
• Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder: Overlapping symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

Why It Matters

• Many people don’t realise they have a treatable condition.
• Anxiety disorders often occur alongside depression.
• Early treatment makes recovery easier.

What Can You Do?

Step 1: Recognise symptoms. Keep track of physical and emotional signs.

Step 2: Talk to someone. Share your concerns with a trusted friend, teacher, or family member.

Step 3: Seek professional help. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication (when needed) are effective.

Step 4: Practice self-care. Regular exercise, mindfulness, and good sleep habits help manage anxiety.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of an anxiety disorder, remember: help is available, and recovery is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?

Stress usually has a clear cause (like exams or deadlines) and goes away when the situation resolves. Anxiety disorders linger, often without a direct trigger, and can disrupt daily life.

2. Can lifestyle changes really help with anxiety?

Yes. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, better sleep, and reduced caffeine can lower anxiety symptoms. But for anxiety disorders, lifestyle changes work best alongside professional support.

3. Can children have anxiety disorders?

Yes. Children can develop phobias, separation anxiety, or even panic symptoms. Early support makes a big difference.

4. How do I support a friend with anxiety?

• Supporting someone with anxiety starts with empathy and patience. Instead of trying to “fix” the problem, focus on simply being there for them. You can:
• Listen without judgment – Let them share their feelings at their own pace. Sometimes, just knowing someone is listening makes a big difference.
• Avoid dismissive phrases – Saying “don’t worry” or “just relax” can feel invalidating. Instead, acknowledge their feelings (“I can see this feels really tough for you”).
• Encourage professional help gently – If their anxiety is affecting daily life, suggest talking to a counselor, therapist, or doctor, and offer to help them find resources.
• Offer practical support – Small gestures, like accompanying them to a social event or helping them prepare for a stressful situation, can make them feel less alone.
• Be patient – Progress takes time. Your consistent support can make them feel safe and understood.