Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders develop when anxiety is persistent over time and causes significant distress or impairment in functioning. They are distinguished by the types of objects or situations that induce the anxiety.

Anxiety:

The apprehensive anticipation of future danger or misfortune accompanied by a feeling of worry, distress, and/or somatic symptoms of tension. The focus of anticipated danger may be internal or external.

Characteristics of Anxiety

Feeling apprehensive
Feeling powerless
Having sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly
Sweating
Trembling
Feeling weak or tired
(Source: Mayo Clinic)

Phobia:

Persistent fear, anxiety, and avoidance of a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger that the object or situation poses. (Source: DSM-5)

Panic Disorder:

Panic disorder refers to recurrent unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. Followed by concern about additional attacks, and a maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks.

Characteristics of Panic Disorder

Heart palpitations
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
Feelings of choking
Chest pain or discomfort
Nausea
Feeling dizzy/light-headed
Chills or heat sensations
Numbness or tingling sensations
Derealization (feelings of unreality)
Depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
Fear of losing control
Fear of dying
(Source: DSM-5)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

Excessive anxiety about a number of events or activities occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, and causes significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Characteristics of Anxiety Disorder