The 6 Most Common Types of Anxiety Disorders and How to Recognize Them
Anxiety is a normal part of being human—it helps us stay alert, prepare for challenges, and respond to danger. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming or constant, it may signal something deeper. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and they show up in many different ways.
Understanding the specific type of anxiety you’re experiencing can be a powerful first step toward healing. Here are the six most common anxiety disorders and how to recognize them:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD often feel persistent worry about everyday things—work, health, finances, relationships—even when there’s no immediate reason to stress. This worry can feel uncontrollable and is often paired with restlessness, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
2. Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves sudden and intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks. These can include a racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a sense of losing control. Often, you begin to fear having another attack, which can lead to avoiding certain situations
3. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Social anxiety is more than shyness. It’s an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations. You may avoid speaking in groups, eating in public, or attending gatherings—even if they want to connect.
4. Specific Phobias
A phobia is a strong, irrational fear of a particular object or situation—like heights, flying, needles, or animals. The fear is often out of proportion to the actual risk but can trigger intense anxiety or even panic when faced with the feared object or situation.
5. Health Anxiety Disorder (Illness Anxiety Disorder)
Health anxiety involves a persistent fear of having or developing a serious illness—even when medical exams and tests come back normal. You may frequently check their bodies for symptoms, research conditions online, or seek constant reassurance from doctors or loved ones. Despite this, the worry often returns, creating a stressful and exhausting cycle. Health anxiety can significantly impact daily life, but it is highly treatable with the right therapeutic support.
6. Perinatal/Postpartum Anxiety
This type of anxiety occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. It can involve constant worry about the baby’s health, intrusive thoughts, sleep difficulties, or physical symptoms like racing heart and shortness of breath. It’s very common and often misunderstood, but treatable with compassionate, informed care.
You’re Not Alone—Help Is Available
If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, I invite you to reach out. I specialize in helping individuals work through anxiety with compassion, evidence-based care, and a focus on healing the nervous system.
📍 I offer in-person sessions in Arizona and virtual therapy in Arizona, Ohio, and Colorado.
💡 Let’s work together to understand your anxiety and help you feel more grounded and resilient.
👉 Contact me here to schedule a free consultation or learn more about my approach to anxiety therapy.
