Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when a person has prolonged worry, fear, and anxiety that interferes with their daily life. There are five different types of anxiety disorders which include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobia (fear), generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is when a person is anxious much of the time and it interferes with day to day tasks. People of all ages can suffer from this condition and it is diagnosed by a healthcare provider using psychological questionnaires, family history, and a physical exam. It can be managed by medication, therapies, and learning techniques to cope with the anxiety can be helpful with generalized anxiety disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD can be experienced by those who were directly involved in a traumatic event, witnessed a traumatic event, repeated exposure to traumatic details, or hearing of a loved one experiencing a traumatic event. The diagnosis of PTSD is given when symptoms continue a month after the specific event. Like with all anxiety disorders, PTSD can be treated with medication or psychotherapies.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder is explained as repeated urges and thoughts that can cause anxiety. This person feels the need to fulfill these urges to suppress the anxiety and distress. These urges typically include the need to keep things in order, the fear of dirt or germs, aggressive thoughts, and other unwanted thoughts. People with OCD commonly create rules or routines to help manage their periods of obsessive thoughts. Treatment for OCD is most effective when both medication and psychotherapies are used.
Specific Phobia
A phobia is an intense fear of a situation or object. This fear is frequently irrational and is unable to be controlled by the person. These are also known as simple phobias and include heights, flying, spiders, snakes, blood, etc.
Panic Disorder
Those who suffer from panic disorder live in constant fear of having a panic attack. Panic attacks can come out of nowhere and last for several minutes. The idea that no trigger or a slight trigger can cause these panic attacks can cause these people to be fearful of doing activities and insecure enough to not seek treatment. This disorder is highly treatable, but the largest step is to seek help.
Signs and Symptoms
| Anxiety Disorder | Symptoms |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorders | Restlessness Easily fatigued Difficulty concentrating Muscle tension Sleep problems |
| PTSD | Re-experiencing trauma Difficulty sleeping Difficulty concentrating Irritable |
| OCD | Obsessiveness Compulsive behavior |
| Specific Phobia | Irrational worry Avoidance of the phobia Intense anxiety |
| Panic Disorder | Heart palpitations Sweating Shaking Shortness of breath Feeling of impending doom Feelings of being out of control |
Resources
Anxiety Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2019, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
Generalized anxiety disorder. (2017, October 13). Retrieved June 12, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361045
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (2016, September 17). Retrieved June 12, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438
Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2019, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms/index.shtml
Symptoms of PTSD. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2019, from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms
Understanding Anxiety Disorders 