Types of Anxiety Disorders

About Types of Anxiety Disorders

Social Phobia

Social phobia is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders and it is also known as Social Anxiety Disorder.

This disorder is characterized by a persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur.

Specific Phobia

Specific Phobia is characterized by anxiety provoked by exposure to a specific feared object or situation, often leading to avoidance behavior. Fear of using an elevator is a classical example of specific phobia.


Agoraphobia is an abnormal fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, sometimes accompanied by anxiety attacks. The anxiety typically leads to a pervasive avoidance of a variety of situations that may include being alone outside the home or being home alone; traveling in an automobile or airplane, etc.

Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia

Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia is characterized by recurrent unexpected Panic Attacks about which there is a persistent concern. Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia is characterized by both recurrent unexpected Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia without History of Panic Disorder

Agoraphobia without History of Panic Disorder is distinguished from Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia by the absence of a history of recurrent unexplained Panic Attacks.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The essential feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for a period of at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities. In other words the individual finds it difficult to control the worry.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is characterized by the development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to extreme traumatic situations such as witnessing a serious accident, being in the war, surviving a serious injury or harm by others, etc. Individuals suffering from this type of anxiety disorder almost always experience flashbacks.

Acute Stress Disorder

The essential feature of Acute Stress Disorder is the development of characteristic anxiety and other symptoms that occur within 1 month after exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor. A diagnosis of Acute Stress Disorder is appropriate only for symptoms that occur within 1 month of the extreme stressor.

Because Posttraumatic Stress Disorder requires more than 1 month of symptoms this diagnosis cannot be made during this initial 1-month period. Of course depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms an individual can be diagnosed with some other type of anxiety disorders.

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Individual that suffer from Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorders have prominent anxiety symptoms that are judged to be due to the direct physiological effects of a substance such as medication, toxin exposure, drug or alcohol abuse.

It is very unfortunate that many individuals that suffer from anxiety disorders try to self medicate with alcohol or drugs without knowing that that is the last thing they should be doing. This is because instead of helping, alcohol and drugs are taking over and making an afflicted person even more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

It is very important to emphasize that even though alcohol can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for a short period of time it is not a part of an anxiety solution because it destroys your brain and minimizes your capacity to fight.

Anxiety Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition

The essential feature of Anxiety Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition is clinically significant anxiety that is judged to be due to the direct physiological effects of a general medical condition. Symptoms can include prominent, generalized anxiety symptoms, Panic Attacks, or obsessions or compulsions.

Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified includes anxiety disorders with prominent anxiety or phobic avoidance that do not meet criteria for any specific Anxiety Disorder.

Phobia Chart - The Complete List of Phobia Definitions

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