Contributing Writer at Nurturely
Top 5 Types of Anxiety Disorders
June 1, 2021
The world health organization estimates over 280 million people suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. Moreover, anxiety as a category affects over 40 million people in the US annually. And, although there are others, we are only going to cover the top 5 types of anxiety disorders.
Today more women suffer from anxiety than men, about 63% of women are diagnosed. When it comes to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), women are affected twice as much. The largest age group affected by anxiety are those 30-44.
Top 5 Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is considered an excessive and persistent worry about various things. People with GAD are overly concerned in multiple areas of their lives like finances, health, or relationships. They often think the worst is going to happen even if they have no evidence to support their belief.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized as unexpected out of the blue repeated panic attacks. It is estimated just under 3% of adults in the US were diagnosed with PD in the last 12 months.
PD is often associated with racing heartrate, trembling, anticipation of doom, or disaster. Episodes are often described as feeling intense fear within a short period.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD typically occurs after someone experiences a traumatic event, things like accidents, natural disasters, sexual abuse, violent experiences etc.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is reported more in women than men. PTSD can exist alongside other mental illnesses like depression.
About 8 million people suffer with PTSD at any given time in the US. Furthermore it is estimated that 1:13 people will develop PTSD at some point during their lifetime.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Also referred to as a social phobia, SAD is described as extreme fear in social settings e.g. attending a party, giving a presentation etc. Often SAD sufferers will self-isolate or withdraw from social situations.
SAD affects around 6 million people over the age of 18 in the US. SAD often shows in teenagers around 13 years old. Sufferers often take years before seeking help, up to 10 years.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD affects about 2 million over 18 years of age. OCD is experienced as unwanted, uncontrollable thoughts, ideas, or sensations, often referred to as obsessions and compulsions. Common behaviours include repeating a name or phrase, washing hands, checking and re-checking locks, doors, or money.
Other types of Anxiety:
- COVID19 Anxiety
- Separation Anxiety
- Specific Phobias
Common Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
- Increased heartrate
- Sweating
- Faster breathing
- Chest or limb pain
- Nausea
- Excessive Worry
Anxiety Support
- In person therapist
- Support groups
- Text therapy – licensed professional therapist
- Counselling
- Telehealth
Common types of Anxiety Disorder Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health issues the world suffers from. Anxiety develops due to one or more factors including genetics, environment, and chemistry. Among the top 5 types of anxiety disorders include: GAD, PTSD, and OCD.
Phyllis Bunt
Phyllis is passionate about the field of mental health and well-being and a self development enthusiast.
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