According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, there are 5 common types of anxiety disorders
The first common type of anxiety disorder is called Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD. It is characterized by excessive and ongoing worry about many different concerns, usually for a period of six or more months (hhs). This type of anxiety can severely limit a person's capability to function in day-to-day activities. GAD is the most common cause of workplace disability and affects about 3.1% of the United States population (adaa).
The second common type of anxiety disorder is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD. It's identifiable symptoms are reoccurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) (hhs). This type of anxiety disorder affects about 1% of the United States population (adaa). People struggling with this disorder tend to have high feelings of shame attatched to their compulsions which can exacerbate the problem and create a painful cycle (beyondblue).
The third most common anxiety disorder is Panic Disorder. This disorder is usually commonly identified by severe panic attacks and physical reactions such as: immense chest pain heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress (hss). Panic disorder affects 2.7% of the United States population and women are 2 times more likely to be affected by it than men (adaa).
The fourth common anxiety disorder is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder commonly known as PTSD. Contrary to media portrayal, this disorder while common in war veterans is experienced by a broad range of people who have gone through intense experiences. "This could be a car or other serious accident, physical or sexual assault, war or torture, or disasters such as bushfires or floods (beyondblue)." It affects 3.5% of the United States population and rape is the most likely trigger of PTSD (adaa).
The fifth most common type of anxiety is Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder. This disorder affects about 6.8% of the United States Population, that's the same amount of people as GAD, OCD and Panic Disorder combined (adaa). This type of anxiety is characterized by intense fear of "excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations (hss)." It can be triggered by having to present something at work or by having to do small talk with acquaintances.
These are the 5 most common anxiety disorders in the United States and this isn't even close to all the possible anxiety disorders and every person who struggles with these disorders struggles with them differently. These are also just a couple of symptoms of each of these disorders. If you see a friend struggling with excessive amounts of worry or fear over everyday situations, please kindly suggest they speak to a licensed psychologist! There is no shame in needing help!
Learn More:
Digital Communications Division. “What Are the Five Major Types of Anxiety Disorders?” HHS.gov, HHS.gov U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 21 Aug. 2015, www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html.
“Facts & Statistics.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics.
“Types of Anxiety.” Beyond Blue, Beyond Blue LTD, www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/types-of-anxiety.
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