Anxiety: Types and symptoms
When your senses feel a threat such as loud noises or a scary feeling, that information is sent through two different areas of the brain.
The first thing that happens is that the amygdala sends an alert to the rest of the brain.
This causes a burst of adrenaline, sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, and increases the blood pressure.
These senses are caused by anxiety, which can be a reaction to something real or imagined. In the situation with anxiety disorder, the anxiety may be constant or it may be intermittent, striking without warning.
Anxiety disorder can be said to be..
A mental health disorder generally characterised by excessive feelings of worry, anxiety or fear.
Anxiety Disorders
There are six main types of anxiety disorders, which include
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Specific phobias.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
There are close to seven million people in the United States who suffer from general anxiety disorder, or GAD.
That is a little over 3% of the United States. This condition is characterized by a constant worry about many different things such as your health, family, money, or work.
Social Anxiety Disorder
This condition affects about 15 million adults in the United States although it is known to start in the teen years for most people.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) causes severe stress and debilitating symptoms when out in public.
It is a fear of being negatively judged or rejected by peers or even strangers when put in a social situation.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is thought to affect about one out of forty American adults.
This condition is characterized by uncontrolled obsessive thoughts or behaviors due to distress over certain things.
Some of these obsessions may include the need for symmetry, checking something over and over again, cleaning or washing your hands constantly.
Panic Disorder
This debilitating condition is diagnosed by random panic or anxiety attacks for no obvious reason.
The attacks can cause heart palpitations, dizziness, feeling you are going crazy, numbness in the hands and feet, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many believe that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) only affects soldiers but it is actually common in anyone who has experienced a traumatic event such as violent attack, abuse, or a natural disaster like a tornado or hurricane.
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This condition is one of the most common forms of anxiety disorders and affects almost 8% of the American population.
Specific Phobias
The most common anxiety disorder is specific phobias, which affect more than nine percent of people in the United States or 19 million people.
Some of these phobias (fears) may include heights, small spaces, dogs, or even some random object such as a cat or dog.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
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While each of these conditions have their own set of symptoms, they are all pretty similar. Some of these symptoms of anxiety disorders includes:
- Worrying about many different things or just one thing constantly
- Inability to stay focused or concentrate
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia or inability to stay asleep
- Fear of public places or crowds
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Restlessness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Feeling of impending danger or death
If you or someone you care about has any of these symptoms or think you may have some form of anxiety disorder, talking to a professional can help immensely.
In fact, you do not even have to make an appointment or leave your house if you choose online therapy.
Just use any electronic device such as a cell phone, laptop, or tablet and search for online therapists.
About the author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
