List of Anxieties

Anxiety disorders are the most often diagnosed psychiatric illnesses. While anxiety can be a motivational force, such as worry about an upcoming exam, when you begin to worry over everything, the anxiety can quickly become a disorder. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, but there are many more who suffer with them who aren't diagnosed, simply because they don't want the stigma of being labeled with a psychiatric illness. The National Institute of Mental Health lists five primary types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed when you are anxious or worried consistently, even when there is no logical reason to be stressed. The National Institutes of Health states that GAD is often caused by both psychological and biological factors. It can be brought on by a stressful event, or be a behavior that was learned at a young age as a means of dealing with stress or change. Symptoms of GAD include continual worry and anxiety that is way out of proportion with the situation at hand, irritability, sweating, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, difficulty concentrating, muscle spasms, headaches and fatigue, which may be a result of disturbed sleep patterns. Treatment for GAD is usually a combination of behavioral therapy, antidepressants and lifestyle changes, which involve incorporating exercise and a balanced diet into the daily routine.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can develop in children as young as 5 and adults as old as 40 or 50. According to the OCD Foundation, OCD is common and at least one in 50 adults is diagnosed with it. OCD usually involves excessive worrying and superstitions. For example, an obsession that often takes place in OCD has to do with germs and cleanliness. You then become obsessed with everything being clean, and worry that you may be picking up germs. The compulsion occurs when you develop a habit with the purpose of getting rid of the obsessive thought. To be rid of worrying about germs, you may begin obsessive hand-washing. What may start out as washing the hands three or four times within an hour can become a continual practice, to the point where it interferes with work or daily activities. At that point, the obsession and following compulsion have become a disorder. The OCD Foundation explains that it is believed that OCD is a result of miscommunication that takes place within the brain due to low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Treatment for OCD involves medication that can block the re-absorption of serotonin, which will increase the serotonin levels in the brain.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually develops as a result of an extremely stressful or traumatic event. The Mayo Clinic explains that it can often occur when you have experienced a situation in which you feel helpless, witness a horror and/or experience intense fear. PTSD is often diagnosed in soldiers who have returned from war, or people who have been in a hostage situation or another situation in which their life was on the line or they witnessed death. Symptoms can include nightmares about the event, difficulty concentrating, depression, emotional distance from friends and loved ones, hallucinations and possible substance abuse. Treatment involves therapy and medications such as antidepressants. While the outlook is good after treatment, there are instances when PTSD can last for years.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is also referred to as social phobia. The Anxiety Disorder Association of America explains that if you have social anxiety you have an intense fear of being judged negatively by others in social situations. This not only occurs in situations that involve public presentation, such as a speech or performance, but it can also affect you when you are having a small dinner with friends. The fear can be so strong that it can manifest itself with physical symptoms such as nausea, upset stomach and even vomiting. Social anxiety disorder can lead to loneliness and depression. As with most anxiety disorders, social anxiety disorder is usually treated with therapy and medication.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves episodes of panic attacks. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that these attacks are characterized by sudden feelings of fear and terror, along with physical symptoms of sweating; a pounding, rapid heart beat; dizziness; weakness; hot flashes; chest pains; and a sense of doom. Panic disorders can also involve many phobias, such as a sudden fear of open spaces, animals or social situations. If you suffer from panic attacks, you will benefit from psychotherapy and medication.