What Are the Different Types of Anxiety?

At pH Wellness, we recognize how overwhelming these experiences can be. Whether you’re living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, facing repeated panic attacks, or avoiding social settings due to deep fear of judgment, understanding your symptoms is a powerful first step toward healing. Backed by guidance from trusted sources like the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, we use a combination of stress management techniques, talk therapy, and individualized support to help you move toward greater peace, confidence, and connection.

You’re not just dealing with anxiety—you’re navigating a deeply human experience. And we’re here to help you do it with clarity, compassion, and care.

What Are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?

The American Psychiatric Association recognizes several major types of anxiety disorders, each with distinct symptoms and challenges. Understanding these differences can guide you—or a loved one—toward the right treatment and supportive resources.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is marked by excessive fear or unrealistic worry about everyday things—work, relationships, finances, health—even when there’s no obvious reason for concern.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects people physically and emotionally.

Common symptoms include:

• Muscle tension
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxious thoughts

People with GAD may experience daily life as exhausting due to a constant state of heightened alertness and worry.

Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

Panic Disorder involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks, often described as feeling like a heart attack.

These episodes are intense and frightening, with symptoms that may include:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Pounding heart
• Feeling of losing control

These episodes can lead to avoidance behaviors that disrupt a person’s life, including skipping work or avoiding social settings.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Also Called Social Phobia)

Also called social phobia, this disorder causes overwhelming self-consciousness and fear of social situations or being judged by others.

Symptoms often include:

• Fear of speaking in public or eating in front of others
• Avoiding unfamiliar people
• Intense discomfort in job responsibilities or social gatherings

People with anxiety disorders like social phobia may withdraw from opportunities and experiences, limiting their growth and happiness.

Phobia-Related Mental Health Disorders

Phobia-related disorders involve intense fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. These can include:

• Specific phobias (like fear of heights, spiders, or flying)
• Agoraphobia (fear of being in places where escape may be difficult)
• Selective mutism (failure to speak in specific situations, usually in children)
• Separation anxiety disorder, often seen in children, but it can affect adults as well

These fears are more than preferences—they are disruptive and difficult to control without treatment.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

While classified separately by the American Psychiatric Association, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder shares many features with anxiety. It involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that people feel driven to perform.

OCD can cause significant distress and affect a person’s ability to function in daily life.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

There’s no single cause for anxiety disorders, but a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors may increase the likelihood of developing one. Recognizing these influences can help guide early intervention and treatment.

Common risk factors include:

• A family history of mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression
• Exposure to trauma, particularly in childhood
• Chronic stress or environmental instability
• Social isolation or lack of supportive relationships
• Co-occurring conditions like depression, substance use disorders, or chronic illnesses
• Certain personality traits, such as shyness or high sensitivity
• Major life changes or ongoing uncertainty

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Many people first notice anxiety through its effects on the body. These anxiety symptoms are not “just in your head”—they’re real, measurable physical responses to distress, including:

• Muscle tension, aches, or clenched jaw
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Nausea, dizziness, or digestive issues
• Sweating or trembling
• Difficulty sleeping or fatigue despite rest

These symptoms can mimic other health conditions, which is why proper evaluation from a mental health professional is key.

Cognitive Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders often involve intrusive or repetitive thoughts that disrupt focus and emotional regulation. Common cognitive symptoms include:

• Racing thoughts or difficulty slowing down the mind
• Persistent worry, even about minor or unrealistic scenarios
• Trouble concentrating or frequent mental “blanks”
• Excessive fear about the future, health, or safety
• Hyperawareness of bodily sensations or perceived judgment
• Feeling overwhelmed by decision-making or everyday tasks

These thought patterns may be especially intense in conditions like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder.

Behavioral Symptoms of Anxiety

In response to physical and mental distress, many individuals begin to change their behavior—often in subtle, self-protective ways. Behavioral symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Avoiding certain people, places, or responsibilities
• Withdrawing socially or feeling self-conscious in public
• Procrastination or difficulty starting tasks
• Restlessness, pacing, or repetitive movements
• Increased reliance on routines or safety behaviors
• Reassurance-seeking from family members or friends

These behaviors may offer short-term relief, but they often reinforce the anxiety long-term—making effective treatments and supportive therapy critical to recovery.

Understanding the Impact of Anxiety Disorders on Daily Life

Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic attacks, can significantly interfere with an individual’s daily functioning. The symptoms—ranging from muscle tension and excessive fear to avoidance behaviors—can disrupt work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Individuals experiencing anxiety disorders may feel compelled to avoid situations that trigger their symptoms, leading to social isolation and decreased participation in activities they once enjoyed.

Family members often play a crucial role in recognizing anxiety disorder symptoms and encouraging their loved ones to seek help. Support groups can also provide a sense of community and understanding, offering a platform to share experiences and coping strategies. By acknowledging the pervasive impact of anxiety disorders, individuals and their support systems can take proactive steps toward effective treatments that alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Exploring Effective Treatments for People with Anxiety Disorders

Effective treatments for anxiety disorders are available and can significantly reduce symptoms, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives. Current treatments often involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support systems:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, leading to reduced anxiety symptoms.
• Exposure Therapy: Particularly effective for phobias and social anxiety disorder, this therapy involves gradual exposure to feared objects or situations to desensitize and reduce avoidance behaviors.
• Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. In some cases, other medications may be considered based on individual needs.
• Support Groups: Joining support groups can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who experience anxiety disorders, fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding.

It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs. With the right support and interventions, individuals can manage their anxiety effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

When Anxiety and Substance Use Overlap: Understanding the Connection

For many people, anxiety doesn’t exist in isolation. It can intertwine with other mental health conditions, including substance use disorders—creating a cycle that’s hard to break without the right support. If you often feel anxious and have turned to substances like alcohol, prescription medication, or cannabis to cope, you’re not alone—and there is a path forward.

At pH Wellness, we understand how complicated it can be when constant worry, panic, or specific phobias lead to self-medicating behaviors. Whether triggered by a traumatic event, unresolved emotional pain, or a medical history of anxiety, substance use often begins as a way to quiet the mind. But over time, it can make symptoms worse, increase emotional dysregulation, and delay recovery.

Our integrative treatment model addresses both sides of the equation—treating types of anxiety disorders and substance use together, not separately.

We offer:

• Dual diagnosis therapy to explore the root causes of anxiety and substance use in a safe, nonjudgmental space
• Trauma-informed care for those whose anxiety stems from past experiences that haven’t yet healed
• Stress management techniques that promote emotional resilience without relying on substances
• Support groups and individual counseling to build connection and reduce shame
• Medication management, when appropriate, to support brain and body balance while working through recovery

We believe in whole-person healing. That means looking beyond the symptoms to understand the full context of your experience—your history, environment, relationships, and strengths. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, or specific phobias, you deserve care that’s comprehensive, compassionate, and rooted in evidence.

If anxiety and substance use have become tangled in your life, pH Wellness can help you untangle them—so you can reclaim clarity, safety, and self-trust.

Supporting a Loved One with Anxiety

If someone close to you is struggling with anxiety, your support can make a meaningful difference. Family members often play a crucial role in encouraging their loved one to explore treatment options and feel less alone in their journey.

Here are a few ways to help:

• Learn about different types of anxiety, including symptoms and triggers.
• Offer compassion, not pressure—avoid saying “just relax” or “you’re overreacting.”
• Encourage treatment gently, whether that’s starting therapy, joining a support group, or speaking with a medical professional.
• Normalize the experience—remind them that many people experience anxiety disorders, and healing is possible.

Just showing up with empathy and patience can help relieve anxiety and create a safer environment for recovery. And if you’re a caregiver, don’t forget to care for your own mental health too.

When to Seek Help for Anxiety

Many people experience moments of worry or nervousness, but anxiety disorders involve persistent, overwhelming symptoms that do not go away on their own. When anxiety begins to impact your ability to work, sleep, or maintain relationships—or when you feel increasingly self-conscious in everyday interactions—it may be time to seek professional care.

If you’re avoiding places, people, or situations due to excessive fear or a feared object, or if physical anxiety symptoms like chest tightness, sweating, or trembling become common, it’s a signal that the issue may be more than situational stress.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, early diagnosis and access to effective treatments significantly improve outcomes for individuals who experience anxiety disorders. Whether you’re managing social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, or phobia-related conditions, acknowledging the signs is the first empowering step toward relief.

You’re Not Alone And You Deserve Relief

Millions of people with anxiety disorders go undiagnosed or untreated for years. But severe anxiety doesn’t have to be your normal. Whether you’ve struggled for years or are just starting to ask questions, you deserve support that’s personalized, nonjudgmental, and backed by science.

At pH Wellness, we’re here to help you understand your symptoms, explore your options, and begin a healing journey that leads to better balance, connection, and mental health.

Reach out today to start your next step toward peace of mind. Relief is possible—and so is recovery.

Works Cited

American Psychological Association. Anxiety Disorders. APA, https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/disorders.

American Psychological Association. “Anxiety Disorder.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/anxiety-disorder.

American Psychiatric Association. What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder.

National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety Disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders.