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Knowing the Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are of various types. For instance, there is generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. In this kind of disorder, you are plagued by constant worry and fear about something, and you might even have the persistent feeling that something bad will happen. You generally feel anxious nearly all the time, though you can't figure out why. The physical symptoms of GAD include restlessness, insomnia, fatigue and stomach upset.

Another type of anxiety disorder is obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD. This means a constant thought or behavior which you seem unable to control or stop. You may have an obsession like worrying whether you turned off the tap at home, or you might have a constant urge to wash your hands.

Then there is panic disorder - which is characterized by constant panic attacks. A panic attack may also be accompanied by agoraphobia - which is a fear of being in a place where help would be difficult to come by. A general fear of shopping malls, restaurants, and even confined spaces like elevators and airplanes are some examples of such disorder...

Another kind of anxiety disorder is phobia - which is an exaggerated fear of a specific object or activity, or even a situation, which does not seem to present any imminent danger. Common phobias are fear of public speaking, fear of flying, fear of spiders, fear of closed spaces, etc. Those who have severe phobias usually go to extreme lengths to avoid their triggers -, avoidance is not the correct way out.

There is also post-traumatic stress disorder (which occurs after a life-threatening event) which has symptoms of nightmares about the event, being startled easily and withdrawing from loved ones. Lastly, there is social anxiety disorder - which is a fear of being humiliated by others and seen in a negative light. This may also manifest itself as extreme shyness.

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For more information on an Anxiety Support Center, visit anxietysupportcenter.com. They offer information on various topics, such as how to stop panic attacks

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