Anxiety disorders are one of the most common form of mental illness, affecting even more people than depression. Despite being so common, only around one-third of people with an anxiety disorder actually seek help. Many struggle with symptoms for years before seeing a doctor.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with their own symptoms and underlying causes. All forms of anxiety can respond very well to treatment, however, to improve quality of life and avoid the health risks of unmanaged anxiety. Without treatment, an anxiety disorder increases the risk of other diseases and disorders like depression, heart disease, gastrointestinal conditions and respiratory problems. When people with these conditions have unmanaged anxiety, the disease can be harder to treat and worsen the physical symptoms.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are five main types of anxiety disorders, although specific phobias can also be considered anxiety disorders. The following are the broad categories of common anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
As the name implies, generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety or worry that is not tied to any specific event or situation. People with GAD have excessive worry, stress and anxiety for months with a variety of anxiety symptoms. Many people with GAD experience restlessness, chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
Generalized anxiety disorder is often diagnosed alongside major depression. This form of anxiety affects women twice as often as men.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This is an anxiety disorder that has been known to develop in response to a dangerous, shocking, or frightening event. People with PTSD continue to experience a "fight-or-flight" response long after the trauma has passed. Post-traumatic stress disorder is often characterized by frightening thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks. It’s also possible to relive the traumatic event with physical symptoms such as sweating and heart palpitations. This can interfere with work, relationships, and activities.
PTSD symptoms can be triggered by objects, words, music, or situations that serve as a reminder of the trauma. Many people with PTSD also experience avoidance symptoms such as avoiding places, feelings, or thoughts that remind them of the trauma. Reactivity symptoms are also common and may include feeling on edge, trouble sleeping, angry outbursts, and being easily startled. Some people with PTSD experience mood and cognition changes such as difficulty remembering features of the trauma, feelings of guilt and loss of interest in activities.
In most cases, post-traumatic stress disorder develops within three months of the event, but it may take years. Some people recover within 6 months but others experience PTSD as a chronic condition. It's estimated that 8% of people experience PTSD at some point. Women are twice as likely to suffer from PTSD as men.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder or social phobia is a common anxiety disorder that causes significant fear of social situations. Those with social phobia may fear any type of social interaction or situations in which they feel they may be judged, rejected, or embarrassed. It is difficult to talk to people with extreme self-consciousness in front of others. This disorder is marked by an unreasonable fear of humiliation or embarrassment that can't be alleviated with logic.
It's common for those with social phobia to worry for weeks or days ahead of a social event, avoid places with people or crowds, and have difficulty making friends. In social situations, social anxiety disorder can cause acute panic attacks with trembling, sweating, and nausea.
About 7% of the U.S. population has social anxiety disorder. Men and women are equally affected and the disorder usually begins around 13. About 36% of people with SAD have symptoms for at least 10 years before seeking professional help.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD has two primary symptoms: unwanted, recurring thoughts or obsessions and repetitive behaviors or compulsions. Common repetitive behavior associated with OCD includes repetitive counting, doing tasks in a specific order, and hand washing. These compulsions go beyond habits and preferences as they can interfere with relationships, work, and activities. Compulsive cleaning may be used to alleviate a fear of germs or chemicals. Repetitive behavior can be used to reduce anxiety.
People with OCD have very rigid routines or behaviors and being unable to follow through with these compulsions can cause significant distress. It's common for people with OCD to understand that their thoughts or compulsions are unreasonable or untrue, but these thoughts can't be settled with reason. An example of an obsessive thought is thinking that you will be hurt if you don't lock and unlock a door three times before leaving.
OCD affects 1 in 50 people, or 2% of the general population. This makes the disorder more common than bipolar disorder.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected panic attacks that tend to be reoccuring. During a panic attack, someone will experience intense fear with a pounding heart, high heart rate, trembling, sweating uncontrollably, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom or a smothering feeling. These panic attacks are spontaneous and sometimes even happen in the middle of the night. With most people, panic disorder begins in the 20s or later.
About 1.7% of adults experience panic disorder at some point. Women are more likely to develop this anxiety disorder than men. Not all people who have panic attacks develop panic disorder, and panic attacks can be present with other types of anxiety issues like social anxiety disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How common are anxiety disorders?
A: Anxiety disorders represent the most common type of mental illness in the United States. About 18% of the adult population deals with an anxiety disorder every year.
Q: Can an anxiety disorder be treated?
A: Yes, anxiety disorders tend to be very treatable. Unfortunately, just 37% of people seek treatment for their anxiety.
Q: How can an anxiety disorder be treated?
A: There are several treatment options that can be effective to manage an anxiety disorder and reduce symptoms. Therapy in the form of psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can help people confront their fears and learn ways to cope. Stress management techniques such as meditation can also be effective.
Many people with anxiety are treated with medication as well. While medication can't cure an anxiety disorder, it may offer significant relief from symptoms. Medication may be used to begin treatment for an anxiety disorder or when there is an insufficient response to therapy. People who are treated with medication alongside psychotherapy usually have better outcomes than people who receive only one type of treatment.
