Types of Anxiety
It’s important to seek support early if you’re experiencing anxiety. Your symptoms may not go away on their own and if left untreated, they can start to take over your life. There are various types of anxiety and one person might have more than one of these anxiety disorders.
The Most Common Types of Anxiety
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Some experience long-term anxiety across a whole range of situations. This interferes with the person’s functioniing and quality of life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Also known as social phobia, this involves extreme discomfort or fear in a variety of social situations. Commonly feared situations include speaking or eating in public, dating and social events.
Specific Phobias
A person with a phobia avoids or restricts activities because of fear of a particular thing or situation.
Panic Disorders
Some people have short periods of extreme anxiety called a panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear or terror.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder often begins in adolescence and may be a lifelong illness. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours accompany feelings of anxiety.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur after a person is exposed to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation.