Types of anxiety

 The *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision* (DSM-5-TR) identifies several distinct anxiety disorders.

In earlier versions of the DSM, conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and acute stress disorder were classified under anxiety disorders. However, since 2013, these diagnoses are no longer grouped in this category.

The DSM-5-TR defines the following anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Individuals with GAD experience ongoing, pervasive anxiety or dread without a specific cause. Unlike stress that subsides after a situation resolves, this anxiety is constant and may impact many areas of daily life. People with GAD often worry about a wide range of things and may struggle to relax or sleep.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These intense episodes of fear may be triggered by specific situations, though sometimes the cause is unknown.

Specific Phobia

A specific phobia is an intense fear of a particular object or situation, such as spiders or heights. Unlike other anxiety disorders, phobias focus on a single trigger. A person with a phobia may recognize their fear is irrational, but feel powerless to control it when confronted by the trigger.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is the fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult, or help unavailable in an emergency. Contrary to popular belief, agoraphobia is not simply a fear of open spaces. Commonly feared situations include using elevators, public transportation, or, in severe cases, leaving the home.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of being negatively judged or humiliated by others. A person may feel scrutinized in social situations, which can lead to avoiding social interactions or specific situations like talking to strangers. Symptoms include extreme self-consciousness, difficulty making eye contact, speaking quietly, and feeling the mind goes blank in social settings.

 Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety occurs when someone feels distressed after being separated from a person or place that provides them a sense of security, like a parent. While this is most common in young children, it can affect individuals of any age.

 Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a form of anxiety typically seen in children, where they are unable to speak in certain situations or environments, even though they can speak comfortably in others. 

Each of these disorders has its own unique characteristics, but they all stem from excessive or irrational fears that disrupt daily life.