An Overview Of Common Anxiety Disorders

We often feel tense, nervous, worried, or fearful in certain situations. Occasional anxiety can be a normal response to the world around us and is not always a sign that there is an underlying mental health condition. However, when it becomes persistent and excessive worry as if there were the presence of actual danger, this may signal the onset of an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety is one of the most common causes of mental illness: Approximately 31% of U.S. adults will live with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. There are several different anxiety disorders, which vary in terms of symptoms and basic characteristics. Below, we’re going to discuss the most common anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and how to manage them. 

While there are no unified theories as to why these disorders develop, anxiety is thought to primarily be caused by biological and environmental factors. From a biological standpoint, genetics are thought to play a significant part in the development of anxiety disorders. Specifically, researchers believe that the interplay of numerous different genes tends to lead to anxiety, as opposed to a single variation of a gene.

An example of an environmental factor that can lead to anxiety is an individual’s early upbringing. Research shows that individuals who have a relative with anxiety are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder — a correlation that is likely based on both genetic and environmental factors. Behavior modeling, or the examples set by early caregivers, may influence how children cope with stress and anxiety in the future. 

• Nervousness
• Racing heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Sense of impending doom
• Shortness of breath.
• Tightness in the chest
• Muscle tension
• Trouble focusing
• Sweating

For a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder, for example, symptoms typically must be present for six months and primarily apply to social situations.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition that is not necessarily brought on by a specific scenario. People with GAD often have bouts of extreme worry or anxiety that are disproportionate to the situation. They typically have difficulty controlling their fear and may frequently expect the worst-case scenario.

Under the DSM-5, one must experience “excessive anxiety and worry” more days than not for at least six months to be diagnosed with GAD. These feelings of anxiety must be related to at least three of the below symptoms:

• Disruptions in sleep pattern
• Irritability
• Rapid heartbeat
• Trouble focusing
• Tense muscles
• Edginess or excitability
• Fatigue

For a diagnosis of GAD, symptoms typically need to have an impact on an individual’s ability to function regularly and not be related to a fear that may apply to other anxiety disorders, such as phobias or social situations.  

 is characterized by apprehension or nervousness in social situations. It often arises due to the fear of being judged or ridiculed by others. Symptoms of social anxiety can start in adolescence and, with inadequate treatment, can persist throughout an individual’s life.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder, previously called social phobia, typically appear in situations where an individual has to interact with others or otherwise make themselves vulnerable to judgment, like attending a party or speaking in front of others. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include:

• Blushing in the presence of others
• Nausea
• Speaking with an overly soft voice
• Difficulty communicating in large groups
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Extreme self-consciousness

According to the DSM-5, individuals with panic disorder have “recurrent and unexpected panic attacks”, along with ongoing worry about experiencing another one. 

Panic attacks are episodes of intense anxiety and fear that usually last between a few minutes and half an hour. Since they often occur with little warning or without a discernable cause, many don't know when the next one will happen. This uncertainty can be the cause of the individual’s excessive worry and apprehension. Symptoms of panic disorder include:

• Heart palpitations
• Shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Numbness

Phobias

A phobia is an irrational fear of a scenario or entity that causes severe anxiety. To rise to the level of a phobia, the individual must actively avoid coming into contact with the object of the fear. Specific phobias that are relatively common include claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), arachnophobia (fear of spiders), aviophobia (fear of flying), acrophobia (fear of heights).

Someone who is living with separation anxiety will typically experience intense fear or anxiousness in relation to being separated from someone they have become attached to. This fear and anxiety are disproportionate to the individual’s age and persist for at least four weeks (for children) or six months (for adults), causing disruptions to the person’s daily functioning. 

Agoraphobia

Also known as OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessions (unwanted, distressing thoughts that the person can’t get rid of) and compulsions (actions the person feels the need to take that interrupt their life). An example of an obsession may be “germaphobia” and a resulting obsession with cleanliness; a compulsion in this vein could include overusing hand sanitizer, or washing one’s hands so frequently that it damages the skin. These obsessions and/or compulsions interfere with one’s quality of life in areas such as work, school, and relationships.

While there are numerous ways to treat anxiety disorders, psychotherapy and medication are typically the two main approaches. The exact treatment plan will depend on the individual, their specific mental health condition(s) or specific phobia, and their symptoms. 

Medication

Treatments for anxiety disorders might include anti-depressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and anti-anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines. These medications are frequently used to help manage physical and mental symptoms of anxiety. 

Therapy

Psychotherapy modalities, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help people with anxiety disorders understand how their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions relate. A mental health professional can work with the individual to identify sources of apprehension and worry so that proper coping mechanisms may be developed. 

There are different therapeutic approaches based on each person’s unique needs. For example, exposure therapy focuses on gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or objects in a controlled environment, allowing them to confront things and situations that trigger anxiety. In time, they can learn stress-management techniques that promote healthier responses and relieve symptoms of anxiety.

While therapy is an effective treatment method that can reduce anxiety, it cannot necessarily cure anxiety disorders. The success of the treatment depends on multiple factors.

Lifestyle changes

There are several practices that people with anxiety can incorporate into their everyday routines to alleviate symptoms and complement their treatment plans. These lifestyle changes include: 

• Exercising. Physical activity has been shown to improve stress management and boost mood. Consider creating an at-home workout routine, joining a gym, or taking frequent walks.
• Getting quality sleep. Because anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns, getting a good night’s rest can be important. It may help to develop a nighttime routine that prepares you for sleep. This can include reading, tending to hygiene, journaling, and avoiding electronics in the hour before bed. 
• Consuming a balanced diet. Research shows that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrient-rich foods can decrease symptoms of anxiety disorders.
• Limiting alcohol consumption. Alcohol can increase anxiety over time, so limiting it can help you avoid exacerbating symptoms. 
• Meditating. Meditation can help you slow down, relax, and quiet your mind. There are a variety of meditation techniques you can practice, including mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and breath awareness meditation. 

Studies show that online therapy is a convenient method of treating anxiety disorders. For example, a review of studies found that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy when treating anxiety disorders, both for mental health professionals and those seeking treatment. Researchers noted that online therapy could overcome common barriers to treatment, including geographical limitations, time constraints, and cost. 

If you’re living with an anxiety disorder, online therapy can provide you with convenient mental health care. Using a platform like BetterHelp, you can participate in therapy remotely through video chats, voice calls, or in-app messaging.