Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are classified under mental and behavioral disorders in the ICD-10-CM, highlighting their significant impact on the nervous system and overall health. These conditions often arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and personal factors, with family history, neurosis history, or a history of other mental conditions playing a role in their development. Below are some common types of anxiety disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2023):
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various life aspects, often stemming from factors influencing health status, such as personal history of stress or conditions influencing health status, like a mood disorder history.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is marked by sudden episodes of intense fear that can feel like a severe threat to one’s health. The key feature of this condition is recurrent panic attacks, characterized by an overwhelming mix of physical and psychological distress. These episodes are sometimes associated with a history of untreated chronic stress or past interactions with health services.
Specific phobia
A specific phobia involves an excessive, persistent fear of a particular object, situation, or activity that poses little to no actual danger. While patients recognize their fear is irrational, they struggle to overcome it. This fear can lead to significant distress, prompting individuals to go to great lengths to avoid the source of their anxiety. Common examples include fear of public speaking, flying, or spiders.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is the fear of situations where escape might be difficult, embarrassing, or where help may be unavailable during a panic episode. This fear often lasts six months or more and interferes with daily functioning. People with agoraphobia may avoid these situations, require a companion, or endure them with intense anxiety. If left untreated, agoraphobia can become so severe that a person may be unable to leave their home.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear or discomfort in social situations where a person may feel embarrassed, humiliated, rejected, or judged. Common triggers include public speaking, meeting new people, or eating and drinking in public. Those with this condition often avoid these situations or endure them with extreme anxiety. Symptoms must persist for at least six months and significantly impair daily functioning.
Separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from someone to whom the individual is deeply attached. This condition persists for at least four weeks in children and six months in adults and disrupts daily functioning. While commonly associated with childhood, separation anxiety disorder can continue into adulthood.
Selective mutism
Selective mutism is a condition where children fail to speak in certain social situations, such as school, despite speaking comfortably at home with family members. This lack of speech can interfere with social communication and lead to academic challenges and social isolation. Children with selective mutism often display excessive shyness, fear of social embarrassment, and high social anxiety.
