Anxiety that can arise from simple everyday activities is considered a normal part of life. But anxiety can grow into more serious disorders for some people, disrupting their lives and requiring professional help. Treatment that involves therapy and/or medication can help people deal with the problem.
Common Anxiety
Anxiety can strike people before heading into rush hour traffic, making a speech in front of an audience, preparing for an exam or handling deadline pressure at work. This is considered common anxiety that many people deal with from time to time. Anxiety is a reaction to stressful circumstances, but it often helps people cope with the situation at hand by getting ready or planning ahead, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
When anxiety causes worries and tension most of the time, even though the problems are being overblown, it is considered generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder fear the worst is about to happen when it comes to health conditions, family problems, financial difficulties or other issues, according to the NIMH. People are usually diagnosed with the disorder when their excessive worries about normal problems last for at least six months. Their anxiety may cause physical symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, trembling, irritability, sweating, nausea and shortness of breath.
Panic Disorder
People may go into panic or anxiety attacks for no apparent reason. A sudden fear hits them without warning. Their heart may start pounding or they may suffer from chest pains. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, tingling sensations, feelings of being out of control and even fear of dying. The panic attacks usually only last for a few minutes, but have been known to go on for an hour, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Phobias
Irrational fears lead people with phobias to avoid situations and places because they believe something terrible will happen. Some people develop phobias from previous experiences, such as uncomfortable episodes in an elevator or on a plane, so they avoid the situation to prevent the anxiety or harm from happening. Others may be claustrophobic and stay near doors or exits whenever they are in a room. Fear of public speaking is a common social phobia, SAMHSA explains.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People develop this type of anxiety because of a past experience that had been violent, terrifying or life-threatening. Violent crime, natural disasters and wars can bring on symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. It causes a person to often relive the experience so there is persistent anxiety. It can destroy a person's relationships, family and/or career, SAMHSA notes.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder causes people to have unwanted thoughts or obsessions, and repeat particular behaviors or compulsions, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. They may have a fear of dirt, a concern that everything is kept in order or a constant need for reassurance. Their compulsive behavior may lead to constantly washing their hands, repeating simple actions, such as making sure the door is locked again and again, or arranging objects in certain ways.
