Help is available.
Anxiety can show up in many different ways, and not all anxiety is the same. Understanding the different types of anxiety disorders can help individuals recognize what they’re experiencing and seek the right kind of support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible. Talk to a healthcare provider or reach out to local mental health resources for support tailored to your needs.
Below are the most common types of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD experience excessive worry or fear about everyday things—like work, health, finances or relationships—even when there’s little or no reason to worry. The anxiety feels constant and hard to control, often lasting for months or even years.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is marked by recurring, unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. These attacks can cause physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or a feeling of losing control. Many people with panic disorder live in fear of the next attack.
Social Anxiety Disorder
This form of anxiety involves an intense fear of social situations, especially those where someone might feel judged, embarrassed or rejected. It can make everyday interactions—like speaking in public, attending events or even eating around others—feel extremely stressful.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of a particular object, situation, or activity—such as heights, flying, needles or animals. People with phobias will often go out of their way to avoid their feared trigger, even when it disrupts daily life.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
While often associated with children, separation anxiety can affect adults too. It involves excessive fear or anxiety about being apart from loved ones or a safe place and can cause distress when separated—even temporarily.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is the fear of being in places or situations where escape might be difficult or help wouldn’t be available in the event of a panic attack. This can include open spaces, crowds, public transportation or being outside the home alone. In severe cases, a person may avoid leaving home altogether.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
While not always classified strictly as an anxiety disorder, OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) meant to reduce distress. The cycle of obsessions and compulsions can be exhausting and disruptive.