Understanding Types of Anxiety Disorders...

GAD is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of different things. GAD worries may revolve around money, health, family, work, or even world events talked about on the news.  Any topic that is of special importance or meaningful to an individual with GAD may become a focus of chronic worry or concern. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry and tend to picture events spiraling toward "worst case scenarios".

OCD is a neurologically based disorder that leads otherwise healthy individuals to worry about specific concerns in an intensely, exaggerated manner. The concerns of the individual with OCD may be real on some level but, so disproportionately unrealistic as to be well beyond what is practical or constructive.  An individual with OCD suffers obsessions, which are repetitive thoughts or worries, as well as compulsions, which are ritualistic actions or behaviors intended to reduce anxiety.  

Panic Disorder is characterized by episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These episodes may occur “out of the blue” without any obvious connection to known stressors or they may occur repeatedly in response to known anxiety triggers.  Panic attacks can feel mysterious and terrifying.  Once experienced, the fear of experiencing another round of physical symptoms may become the very trigger for the next panic attack.

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that involves intense fear and anxiety of any place or situation where an individual feels "stuck" or "trapped" and unable to return to their home easily.   Agoraphobia typically involves significant discomfort when an individual is away from their "safe place".  Because it results in avoidance of situations outside of the home such as traveling in a car, bus, or airplane, shopping at a mall, or being in any crowded area, agoraphobia can result in a steep narrowing of a sufferer's routine and ability to function.  Often individuals with agoraphobia find themselves feeling increasingly limited without even recognizing that they have an anxiety disorder.

Social Anxiety might be more aptly called "Judgment Anxiety" as it is really about the anticipation and dread of negative judgments from others, even from strangers.  In contrast to everyday nervousness, social anxiety disorder includes fear, anxiety and avoidance that often interferes with relationships, daily routines, work, school or other activities. Social anxiety disorder is often related to problems with self-esteem and confidence and typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in young children at a very early age.

Separation Anxiety involves intense and persistent fears about the health and well-being of others who we feel close to or even about ourselves.  It typically leads to extremely uncomfortable feelings when separated from those we care about and avoidance of situations where we might find ourselves alone.  While more commonly thought of as an anxiety problem of childhood, Separation Anxiety can persist well into adolescence and adulthood.  Individuals with separation anxiety may appear to be overly intrusive, highly demanding, or clingy in relationships.  It is an often overlooked or misinterpreted type of anxiety in adulthood that can not only lead to feelings of great personal discomfort but, can result in significant relationship problems, too.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues—and are highly treatable. Once you understand your anxiety disorder, you can take steps in therapy to reduce your physical and emotional distress, increase your capacity to cope with anxiety provoking situations, and reverse the avoidance that may be limiting your functioning and your enjoyment of life.   Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy (ERP) are relatively brief and effective problem-focused treatments that emphasize changes in present day  behavior and thinking  to help you move forward and overcome your anxiety .