Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesAre OCD and PTSD Anxiety Disorders?SymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Are OCD and PTSD Anxiety Disorders?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatments
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Anxiety disorders are serious mental illnesses that cause significant worry or fear that doesn’t go away and may even get worse over time. We all feel anxious at times, but with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety tends to be fairly constant and has a very negative and intrusive impact on quality of life.
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Types of Anxiety Disorders
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobiais an irrational and extreme fear of being in a situation where escape is impossible. People often fear that they will experience symptoms of panic or other symptoms in public, which leads them to avoid any situation where they may feel panicked, helpless, or trapped.
These avoidance behaviors are often life-limiting, often causing people to avoid driving, shopping in public, air travel, or other situations. In some cases, this fear can become so severe that people are unable to leave their homes.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)involves excessive worry and anxiety related to various activities and events. This worry is difficult to control and often shifts from one concern to another.
While there is no specific threat, people with GAD find themselves feeling anxious about everyday daily events, current events in the news, relationships, or potential events that might occur.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorderinvolves experiencing intense and persistent panic attacks that occur unexpectedly with little or no warning. Apanic attackhas physical and emotional symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, increased respiration, and feelings of extreme terror.
Selective Mutism
Selective mutismis an anxiety disorder that occurs during childhood. It involves experiencing anxiety, embarrassment, or fear that prevents children from speaking in specific settings, such as while at school or around strangers.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), previously known as social phobia, involves a fear of social situations. This fear may center on specific events, such as public speaking, or may involve a more generalized fear of many different social situations.
People who have this condition have an exaggerated sense that other people scrutinize everything they do. They may be very critical of themselves and experience both physical and emotional symptoms of fear in social situations.
Such symptoms include shaking, racing heartbeat, stomach upset, and dread. These symptoms often lead people to avoid social situations whenever possible.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobiasinvolve intense fear of a specific object or situation that is overwhelming, irrational, and out of proportion to the actual threat. When they encounter the source of their fear, people with a specific phobia experience immediate symptoms such as sweating, crying, shaking, rapid heartbeat, and increased respiration.
As often happens with other anxiety disorders, people with a phobia may go to great lengths to avoid the source of their fear. Suchavoidance behaviorscan cause additional stress and limit daily activities.
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The fifth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), which healthcare providers use to diagnose mental health conditions,breaks what have generally been considered anxiety disorders into three categories:
This differentiation shows that while the disorders have a commonality and are related, they are distinctly different. These classifications have remained in place in the most recent edition of the diagnostic manual, the DSM-5-TR.
While OCD and PTSD are no longer officially categorized as anxiety disorders, they share many characteristics, and anxiety symptoms are common in both conditions.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) involves experiencing intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, and behaviors, known as compulsions. Before the publication of the DSM-5, OCD was considered a type of anxiety disorder, because these obsessions create significant anxiety for many people.
Conditions related to OCD and also listed in the category “OCD and related disorders” includebody-dysmorphic disorder,hoarding disorder, andtrichotillomania.
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)is a condition that can occur following a traumatic event. It includes symptoms such as changes in mood, arousal, and reactivity. People may have intrusive thoughts, memories, and nightmares related to the trauma. Flashbacks, hypervigilance, anxiety, and avoidance of reminders are other common symptoms.
Other trauma- and stressor-related disorders in this DSM group includeadjustment disorders, andreactive attachment disorder
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RecapTypes of anxiety disorders include agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, selective mutism, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Other conditions, including OCD and PTSD, also feature symptoms of anxiety.
Recap
Types of anxiety disorders include agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, selective mutism, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Other conditions, including OCD and PTSD, also feature symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Anxiety disorders come with a host of symptoms and no one person has the same experience. Each disorder tends to have different symptoms as well. The symptoms common to anxiety disorders in general include:
When you experience the physical and psychological signs offear and anxietysuch as sweating, racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, worry, or stress, these are cues that something is happening that could be a threat and that you need to deal with it.
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This“flight or fight” reactionactivates the physical and psychological resources necessary to deal with the potential danger. Although this system works well most of the time, sometimes it can go into overdrive and do more harm than good. When this happens, it might indicate you have an anxiety disorder.
Most people experience some anxiety from time to time. The difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder involves the amount of distress it causes and how it affects your ability to function normally.
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Millions of American adults (as well as children and teens) will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. No one knows exactlywhat causes anxietydisorders, although genetics, environment, stress level, brain changes, and trauma may all play a role.
Researchers are discovering more about these links all the time. A combination of factors likely plays a role in causing anxiety conditions. Some factors that have been implicated include:
There are no lab tests that can be done to diagnose an anxiety disorder, though a doctor may perform some tests to rule out physical problems.Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a counselor, who will use specific diagnostic tools and questions to help determine what sort of disorder you may have.
A doctor or mental health professional will ask questions and use assessment tools to help determine if you have a disorder. They will want to know the nature of your symptoms, how long they last, and how severe they are. They will also want to understand how they interfere with your ability to function in your everyday daily life.
Healthcare practitioners use the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM) to diagnose these conditions. Each disorder in the DSM lists specific symptom criteria that a person must meet to be diagnosed with a particular condition.
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There are a variety of options available to treat anxiety disorders. A mental health professional can help determine what works best for you.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapycan help people learn to manage the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of anxiety. One particularly effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders iscognitive behavioral therapy(CBT). This approach focuses on helping people identify the automatic negative thoughts andcognitive distortionsthat contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Exposure therapyis another type of CBT that can be helpful for some types of anxiety. In this approach, people are gradually exposed to the things that they fear, often while simultaneously using relaxation techniques to help calm the body’s stress response.
Research has found that CBT can be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. It can also be helpful for anxiety that occurs as part of OCD and PTSD.
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Medications
Somemedicationscan also be prescribed to help relieve symptoms of anxiety. Some of the medications that are most often used for anxiety include:
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Coping Strategies
Coping strategiesoften focus on ways to manage anxiety more effectively. Lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine intake, getting enough rest, and engaging in regular exercise may be helpful.
One study found that exercise significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety, suggesting that it may be useful for preventing and even treating symptoms of anxiety.
Stress management techniques includingdeep breathing, yoga, andprogressive muscle relaxationcan also be beneficial when managing feelings of anxiety.Apps for anxietycan help guide you through these techniques.
If you have an anxiety disorder, there are plenty of treatment options available to help you live your life to the fullest. Remember, treatment can take time before you and your physician discover the best options for you. Be patient and keep communication open with your mental health professional in order to figure out the plan best tailored to your individual needs.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of an anxiety disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of an anxiety disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Any anxiety disorder.Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Mah L, Szabuniewicz C, Fiocco AJ.Can anxiety damage the brain?Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016;29(1):56-63. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000223Telman LGE, van Steensel FJA, Maric M, Bögels SM.What are the odds of anxiety disorders running in families? A family study of anxiety disorders in mothers, fathers, and siblings of children with anxiety disorders.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2018;27(5):615-624. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1076-xCleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders: diagnosis and tests.Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkinKandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23
8 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Any anxiety disorder.Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Mah L, Szabuniewicz C, Fiocco AJ.Can anxiety damage the brain?Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016;29(1):56-63. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000223Telman LGE, van Steensel FJA, Maric M, Bögels SM.What are the odds of anxiety disorders running in families? A family study of anxiety disorders in mothers, fathers, and siblings of children with anxiety disorders.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2018;27(5):615-624. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1076-xCleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders: diagnosis and tests.Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkinKandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health.Any anxiety disorder.Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Mah L, Szabuniewicz C, Fiocco AJ.Can anxiety damage the brain?Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016;29(1):56-63. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000223Telman LGE, van Steensel FJA, Maric M, Bögels SM.What are the odds of anxiety disorders running in families? A family study of anxiety disorders in mothers, fathers, and siblings of children with anxiety disorders.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2018;27(5):615-624. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1076-xCleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders: diagnosis and tests.Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkinKandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23
National Institute of Mental Health.Any anxiety disorder.
Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
Mah L, Szabuniewicz C, Fiocco AJ.Can anxiety damage the brain?Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016;29(1):56-63. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000223
Telman LGE, van Steensel FJA, Maric M, Bögels SM.What are the odds of anxiety disorders running in families? A family study of anxiety disorders in mothers, fathers, and siblings of children with anxiety disorders.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2018;27(5):615-624. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1076-x
Cleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders: diagnosis and tests.
Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkin
Kandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23
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