Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve excessive and persistent fear, worry, or anxiety that can interfere with daily activities.
These disorders include:
Each anxiety disorder has unique symptoms and may require different treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, medication, or a combination of these. It's essential to receive a proper diagnosis from a mental health professional to ensure effective treatment. Co-occurring disorders such as depression or substance use disorder can also complicate treatment, making it even more important to seek help from a skilled assessor.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations, accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
Social Anxiety Disorder is a fear of being judged or scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance of social situations.
Panic Disorder involves sudden and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense periods of fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat.
Specific phobias are intense fears of specific objects or situations, such as flying, heights, or spiders.
OCD is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions, which lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions.
PTSD is a condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, leading to symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance.