Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health condition, with approximately 40 million American adults experiencing anxiety-related conditions every year.1 And that doesn’t count people who experience anxiety without having a diagnosable anxiety disorder—which is virtually everyone. Chances are, you or someone you know is dealing with anxiety or an anxiety disorder at this moment, possibly without even realizing it.
There are several types of anxiety, some of which can be fairly imperceptible, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different types and know if you might benefit from anxiety treatment at Promises Brazos Valley.
What Is the Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders?
While the vast majority of people experience anxiety at some point in their lives, they may not necessarily develop an anxiety disorder. But what’s the difference between the two? Consider the following:
- Anxiety tends to evolve around worries about a temporary situation, while an anxiety disorder is chronic and excessive.
- Feeling anxious occasionally is entirely normal and doesn’t require medical attention. However, if you have an anxiety disorder, you’ll likely need treatment through therapy, medication, or both.
- Anxiety usually doesn’t interfere significantly with your daily life, but an anxiety disorder can wreak havoc on your work and personal relationships.
If you’re experiencing anxiety but are unsure if it’s an anxiety disorder, it’s best to reach out to a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
What Are the Common Types of Anxiety?
When you picture anxiety, you may think of someone who looks nervous and acts very high-strung—they may even consider themselves to be a worrywart. However, this describes just one of many different types of anxiety. Some appear to have little to no symptoms, at least on the outside. They or their loved ones may not recognize the signs as anxiety, often attributing them to other health concerns or simply writing the person off as a worrier.
The best action you can take to support your well-being and that of your loved ones is to familiarize yourself with the different types and signs of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
A person with generalized anxiety disorder—the most common type—often feels nervous about a broad range of everyday situations. They tend to worry frequently and have difficulty controlling feelings of nervousness, even when acknowledging there is nothing to be concerned about at that moment. Unfortunately, rationalization rarely helps relieve GAD.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorders are characterized by recurring episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. During such an attack, a person may sweat, tremble, and have heart palpitations. This form of anxiety can be particularly debilitating because fear of future panic attacks may cause the person to avoid certain places—sometimes refusing to leave home altogether—for fear of having another attack in public.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social anxiety disorder centers around a fear of social situations where a person believes they may be judged negatively by others. People with SAD often feel self-conscious and have a low tolerance for embarrassment, which can cause them to avoid social interactions altogether.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder is no longer considered an anxiety disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).2 However, many still associate it with anxiety. PTSD develops after someone experiences a distressing event. The person may experience flashbacks or nightmares of the event and remain hypervigilant and anxious long after the event has ceased.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder revolves around intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors known as compulsions. People with OCD may feel a strong drive to perform certain rituals to relieve some of the distress caused by their obsessions.
High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety tends to be the most difficult to spot because people with this condition tend to appear as though they have it all. Although they may have great success with their career and relationships, they might have issues with perfectionism, self-doubt, and frequent worries behind the scenes.
Connect with Promises Brazos Valley to Enroll in Our Anxiety Treatment Program
Your mental health is one of your most valuable assets. Take care of your mental well-being by seeking help at Promises Brazos Valley. We offer specific inpatient and outpatient anxiety treatment programs to meet your needs. Call 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form today to find out more.
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