What are the different types of anxiety disorders?

This section provides an overview of the most common types of anxiety disorders. 

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) 
• Panic disorder - Social anxiety disorder 
• Phobias 
• Agoraphobia 
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Skin picking 
• Hair removal 
• PTSD 

Panic Disorder 

If you have panic disorder, you will have panic attacks regularly, without being triggered by something specific. They can happen suddenly and feel overwhelming and frightening. You may also be concerned about another panic attack. 

Symptoms of panic disorder can include the following: 

• An overwhelming feeling of fear and dread 
• Pain in the chest or an irregular heartbeat 
• A feeling that you may be dying or having a heart attack 
• Sweating and heat attacks, or feeling cold and trembling 
• Dry mouth, breathlessness or choking - Nausea, dizziness and feeling faint 
• Feeling the need to go to the toilet 
• Stomach turning 
• The sound of bells ringing in your ears 

You may also become disconnected during a panic attack. For example, feeling disconnected from yourself. 

Certain situations can cause panic attacks. For example, you may get panic if you don't like small spaces but you have to use a lift. It does not mean that you have panic disorder. 

Social Anxiety Disorder 

Sometimes, social panic disorder is called social phobia. Many people are worried about social situations, but if you have social anxiety, social or performance situations will scare you. This can happen before, during or after the event.

Here are some common situations where people may feel anxious:

• Talking in public or in groups
• Meeting new people or people you are not familiar with - Going on a date
• Eating or drinking in public 

You may be worried that you will do something or behave in a way that will make you feel uncomfortable. You may feel aware of the physical signs of your anxiety. This can include sweating, a rapid heartbeat, vocal flicker and sneezing. 

You may be worried that other people will notice or criticise you. You may try to avoid certain situations. You may know that your fears are excessive, but you are struggling to control them. 

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and may ask you to complete a questionnaire. This will help them understand how anxious you feel in social situations. They may refer you to a mental health specialist for a full assessment.

You can request a telephone appointment with your GP if you think it would be too difficult for you to speak face to face.

Phobias

A phobia is when an object, place, situation, feeling or animal makes you feel overwhelmed. 

A phobia is stronger than fear. A phobia develops when a person feels more than usual danger about a situation or object. A person with a phobia may organise their daily routines so that it avoids the thing that

Here are some common examples of phobias:

• Animal-related phobias, eg spiders, snakes or rodents
• Environmental phobias, eg height and germs
• Position-related phobias, eg going to the dentist
• Body phobias, eg blood or nausea - Sexual phobias, eg anxiety of performing

Agoraphobia Agoraphobia

A fear of a situation where it would be difficult to escape. It can also be scary to be in a situation where help would not be available if things went wrong. 

This can include:

• Leaving home
• Being in public places
• Using public transport
• Being in the middle of a crowd

These situations may make you feel anxious, panicky and anxious. You may avoid certain situations altogether. This can affect your day-to-day life.

Agoraphobia can make it difficult for you to make an appointment with your GP to talk about your symptoms. You may not feel able to leave your house or go to the surgery. You can book an appointment over the phone if you have symptoms of agoraphobia. A GP will decide what are the best treatment options for you according to what you tell him.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

If you have OCD, you will have obsessions, compulsions, or both. 

Obsession - an unwanted image or idea that you will always think of and which is largely beyond your control. These can be hard to ignore. These thoughts can be unpleasant, and can make you feel anxious and anxious. 

Enforcement  - something you think about or do repeatedly to relieve anxiety. This can be hidden or obvious. For example, the locked front door is a phrase in your head, or a look. 

You may think something bad will happen if you don't do these things. You may know that your thoughts and behaviour are illogical but still find it very difficult to give up. 
 

• Contamination - The need to clean and wash because something or someone is contaminated 
• Check - the constant need to check yourself or your environment to prevent damage, fire, leaks or damage. 
• Unwanted thoughts - Thoughts that are repetitive, distressing and often scary
• Accrual - Feel that you can't throw away used or worn items 

Talk to your GP if you think you have OCD. They should discuss treatment options with you. Alternatively, you may try to refer yourself to an NHS talking service. 

Hair removal 

The medical term for hair removal is trichotillomania. It is a motivation management disorder. You feel motivated to pull your hair out if you have this condition. This can be from your scalp or other parts of your body, such as your arms, eyelids, legs or cedar hair. You may find it difficult to stop doing this. 

You may feel tension building up and that removing the bristles eases it. You may not even be aware that you are doing it. 

Stopping this can be difficult, so it can lead to hair loss. This can then make you feel guilty and ashamed, and affect how you feel about yourself or ' 

Your doctor will look at the following to diagnose your condition: 

• You repeatedly pull your hair out, causing obvious hair loss 
• You feel increasing tension before you pull your hair out 
• You feel relief or pleasure after pulling out your hair 
• You have no illness, such as a skin condition, that causes you to pull your hair out 
• Pulling your hair out affects your daily life or causes distress to you.