Main Types of Anxiety
Approximately 8 million people throughout the UK have some type of anxiety disorder.
With this suggested figure, many professionals consider anxiety to be one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the world.
There are various types of anxiety disorders and phobias:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCD is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by repetitive, obtrusive and unwanted thoughts.
These thoughts can turn into obsessions, or repetitive behaviours or compulsions.
Common repetitive behaviours include hand washing, counting, checking and cleaning all with the hope that this stop the obsessive thoughts.
However, these rituals only provide temporary relief and when you do not perform them they increase anxiety levels.
Panic disorder
A panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by repeated episodes of intense fear. These can show visibly with physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and stomach aches.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is characterised by an anxiety disorder that has developed after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal where physical harm occurred.
PTSD is triggered by violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents or military combat.
Dental anxiety
Dental anxiety is very common – many patients are afraid of certain procedures like tooth extraction. But more than that, there is the fear of local anaesthesia and sedation.
A common example of this is when someone has a missing tooth and needs an implant to replace the gap. The dental implant procedure can be a little daunting and dentists and clinicians go the extra mile to alleviate this anxiety.
Methods to calm dental anxiety include:
- Breathing exercises
- Medidaion and muscle relaxation
- Guided imagery
- Nitrous oxide
- NuCalm
Social phobia
A social anxiety disorder is characterised by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in social situations.
Social phobia can be limited to one event or type of situation like public speaking or eating in front of other people.
Symptoms can be so severe that they can cause someone issues as soon as they are around other people.
Generalised anxiety disorder
This chronic anxiety condition is exaggerated by worry and tension; even when there is nothing to worry about or provoke it.
What causes anxiety?
- Genetic predisposition
- Type A personality types
- Trauma
- Drugs
- Co-existing mental health problems
- Medical conditions
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