types of anxiety disorders

What Are the 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders?

| In Balance Counseling |

What are the 6 types of anxiety disorders? If you’ve ever felt like your nerves are a highwire act, teetering between calm and chaos, you’re not alone. 

As the go-to provider of counseling services in Tucson, we at In Balance Counseling have seen several people grapple with mental challenges. The first step toward conquering them is through an accurate diagnosis. Call us at 520-722-9631 to learn more about our counseling services.

What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety, in its simplest form, is a normal response to stress or danger. It’s that edge-of-your-seat sensation when you’re about to give a speech or take a big test.

An anxiety disorder is a whole different ball game. Anxiety disorder is when the feeling becomes a constant, uninvited guest in your life, showing up unannounced and overstaying its welcome.

Anxiety’s Many Faces

What are the 6 types of anxiety disorders? If any of these seem familiar, you might need to consider getting a proper evaluation:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Do everyday problems seem like insurmountable mountains to you? Aside from excessive worry, GAD can also induce:

  • Irritability
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Muscle tension
  • General fatigue

You don’t have to sweep your difficulties under the rug and chalk them up as “day-to-day stress.” Persistent symptoms that last for over a year should catch your attention.

2. Panic Disorder

This disorder describes recurrent periods of psychological and physical distress. Common symptoms of a panic attack include rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, light-headedness, and nausea.

You’re more likely to experience this if your family has a history of the ailment, but it can also manifest following traumatic experiences.

3. Phobia-Related Disorders

Any persistent fear or discomfort from specific objects or situations falls under this umbrella. Even normally innocuous things like spiders, elevators, or heights can provoke an intense, irrational fear. 

4. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Excessive fear or worry at the thought of being away from home or loved ones is characteristic of separation anxiety disorder. If it lasts a long time and becomes obstructive to your daily life, it could be more than just missing someone. 

5. Social Anxiety Disorder

Previously called social phobia, this disorder is about fearing social interactions. If you dread stepping on the party dance floor or speaking up in meetings, you might have it. The fear of being judged or humiliated in public can become so intense that it can cause blushing, sweating, or feeling sick.

6. Agoraphobia

Do crowded or new environments make your pulse race and your palms go clammy? Do you avoid public transportation or open areas? Agoraphobia is an intense fear of leaving your safe space.

Start Your Journey Towards Recovery

What are the 6 types of anxiety disorders, and which ones do you think affect you? People experience anxiety in different ways, so it makes sense that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In Balance Counseling has you covered.

From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to motivational interviewing, we provide various routes to self-discovery and healing.Dial 520-722-9631 or explore our blog and discover the right therapy for anxiety disorder.