Anxiety Disorders

Feeling anxious or experiencing general anxiety is not usually considered a mental illness but part of life as a human being. However, when feelings of anxiety last for a long time without respite, someone may be living with an anxiety disorder. If you have anxiety symptoms that interfere with your daily tasks or ability to concentrate, you may be concerned that you have an anxiety disorder. Certain situations or social interactions can incite anxiety symptoms, and being able to recognize the point at which the anxiety warrants a mental health professional’s attention can be difficult. 

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease that can range from mild to severe. Many people experience anxiety for a variety of reasons (for example, speaking publicly, working at a new job, or meeting people for the first time). However, some people experience chronic anxiety. Persistent, excessive anxiety can make functioning in daily life more difficult. 

An accredited mental health professional typically diagnoses an anxiety disorder. They may use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, a national institute of psychiatrists, to diagnose mental illnesses.

While there is no unified theory of the cause of anxiety disorders, certain genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to their development. For example, having a family history of mental illnesses can increase one’s risk of experiencing an anxiety disorder. Environmental contributors like traumatic experiences, pre-existing medical or mental health conditions, or social factors can also increase the likelihood that an individual will develop some type of anxiety disorder. 

Types of anxiety disorders 

Several types of anxiety disorders exist, each of which tends to feature persistent and excessive worry regarding a specific fear (or set of fears). The DSM-5 separates anxiety disorders into generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder, among others. Below are explanations of the common types of anxiety disorders:

Separation anxiety disorder and related anxiety disorders in children

Children can experience separation anxiety and other related anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorders are typically characterized by:

• Intense fear of abandonment and separation anxiety

• Worry that a sudden event will separate them from their parents

• Difficulty going to sleep due to worry or fear of being alone

• Becoming ill when they are separated from their caregiver

Separation anxiety disorder can result from several factors, such as moving into a new house, living with an overprotective parent, and experiencing a traumatic event. This disorder tends to be more likely to occur in children who have a family history of depression or anxiety, live with overprotective parents, and have timid or shy personalities. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used in the treatment of separation anxiety disorder in children, along with interaction therapy that can teach parents how to communicate healthily with their children. 

Generalized anxiety disorder

Constant worry and anxiety over any number of issues with no identifiable cause can be significant symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People living with generalized anxiety disorder often experience a state of constant worry and anxiety over an extended period, which usually spans at least six months. According to the DSM-5, symptoms of GAD can include the following: 

• Tiring easily or becoming more fatigued than usual

• Edginess or restlessness

• Impaired concentration or a sense of the mind going “blank” 

• Irritability (which may or may not be observable to others)

• Increased muscle aches or soreness

• Difficulty sleeping (due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness at night, or unsatisfying sleep)

Generalized anxiety disorder is often highly disruptive for those who live with these symptoms because they may struggle to control the flow of ongoing worry. Often, no specific situations incite feelings of anxiety or intense fear. In most cases, individuals with GAD also report several physical symptoms that accompany their anxious feelings. Some of the symptoms may include (but are typically not limited to) muscle tension, restlessness, insomnia or irregular sleep patterns, and cognitive issues. 

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is often characterized by repeated and usually unexpected panic attacks as a form of anxiety symptoms. A panic attack can be defined as an episode that a person experiences when their body reacts keenly, quickly, and extremely to the worries and tension that incites their anxiety. During a panic attack, a person may experience tightness or pain in their chest. Their breathing may become rapid and shallow, and their muscles may tense up tightly. They are often unable to speak during the panic attack. 

Panic attacks can further complicate the issues of anxiety since these panic attacks cannot be predicted. These feelings of stress, panic, and anxiety may occur regularly and at any time. Worrying about having a panic attack can worsen the existing condition. Panic disorder is frequently disruptive for those who live with the condition. 

Social anxiety disorder

Previously called social phobia, social anxiety disorder is generally characterized by a constant, paralyzing fear of being watched and judged by people. Social interactions can be complicated for these individuals, as anxiety symptoms tend to worsen and can limit the quality of their lives. Some of the symptoms of social anxiety may include sweating, trouble concentrating, rapid heartbeat, and tightness in the chest. Many people can experience social anxiety at some point in their lives. However, if the anxiety is chronic, intense, and poses a detriment to the quality of one’s social life, social anxiety disorder may be present. 

The persistent fear, worry, and self-consciousness often associated with this disorder can lead to several challenges. One of many may be selective mutism. Selective mutism may occur when a person does not speak in social situations, and symptoms may lead to pausing normal language skills. This condition is usually the result of extreme fear and can be incredibly difficult to manage and cope with.

Specific anxiety phobias

Phobias cause intense anxiety around specific fears or triggers. An incredible sense of intense fear is often attached to these phobias without the ability to have a healthy emotional response, which may lead to recurrent panic attacks. The symptoms of phobias can be similar to those of other forms of anxiety disorders: profuse sweating, muscle tension, chest pain, dizziness, and, in some cases, heart palpitations. 

For instance, an inability to function normally in an area where dogs are present can be an example of a phobia. In the case of a dog phobia, the mind immediately projects a worst-case scenario upon the sight of dogs, causing intense fear and anxiety. The worst-case scenario projected by the brain can cause a fight-or-flight response, potentially leading to panic. The result of this process can be a severe physical reaction to the sight of a dog. Traumatic events can bring on a specific phobia as one of many risk factors, but there may be other causes of phobias, as well.

Treatment of anxiety disorders

Understanding the various types of anxiety disorders may inspire you to seek effective treatment options. Occasional anxiety can be common. However, for some individuals, anxious feelings may be chronic and intense. If the above anxiety disorders are left untreated, they can take a toll on one’s quality of life. 

Coping with the symptoms of anxiety disorders can sometimes be tricky. Life can incite anxiety symptoms and other mental disorders for many people, and being able to recognize the point at which the anxiety warrants a mental health professional’s attention can be challenging. Often, experts advise seeking professional help immediately when symptoms disrupt a healthy life. With the right treatment, you and your healthcare providers can manage the symptoms of this serious illness.  

Types of anxiety disorder treatment 

There may be many effective treatments available for people who struggle with anxiety disorder symptoms. Treatments for anxiety disorders can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, talk therapy, anti-anxiety medication, or some combination of these modalities. 

Therapy

Therapy can help people with anxiety identify the sources of their symptoms, develop stress-management techniques, and address potential comorbid mental health concerns. The therapeutic modality used will often depend on the anxiety disorder being addressed. For example, exposure therapy can help an individual relieve symptoms of a specific phobia. Exposure therapy focuses on gradually introducing the participant to their fear in various ways. 

Anxiety medication 

Certain anti-anxiety medications can be used to relieve symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressant medications, are considered the first-line pharmacological solution for anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine receptor blockers (SNRIs) are also used. Several other types of medications (e.g., benzodiazepines and beta-blockers) may also be prescribed. Always consult a medical or mental health provider before starting or stopping any form of medication.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action (including starting, stopping, or changing medications) without consulting a qualified medical professional. 

Self-help

Self-help approaches may include lifestyle changes, support groups, and relaxation techniques, all of which can help an individual manage stress and limit the physical and emotional effects of an anxiety disorder. The treatment approach is generally tailored to the individual’s needs, which is why the guidance of a qualified professional can be vital. Most treatment options last at least eight to 12 weeks and involve regular check-ins to monitor their effectiveness. 

Getting help for anxiety

In the long term, therapy can be an effective option for the treatment of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. With therapy, you can learn several coping strategies to use when anxiety symptoms arise. Additionally, you may receive support in preventing anxiety symptoms by learning to manage the thoughts and feelings that can incite anxiety in the first place. 

Making appointments and meeting new people, especially healthcare providers, can be a stressful experience, especially if you have ongoing anxiety in social situations. If you are anxious to schedule an appointment with a psychologist or therapist in person, know there are online therapy platforms that can empower you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home. 

For several reasons, online therapy can be a beneficial and convenient alternative to in-person therapy. For example, in a recent study published in Technology in Mental Health, therapists reported that they often reached a diverse population of clients who appreciated the convenience and therapeutic alliance developed during counseling sessions. Another study showed that there was generally no difference in efficacy between online and in-person therapy.