Anxiety General, OCD, PTSD, Social
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive fear or worry.
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as health, work, and social interactions. Individuals may find it difficult to control their anxiety, leading to physical symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and muscle tension.
Example: A person with GAD might worry constantly about their job security, even when there is no evidence of impending layoffs.
2. Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—intense periods of fear that trigger severe physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness. After experiencing a panic attack, individuals may develop a fear of future attacks (agoraphobia).
Example: Someone might avoid places where they previously experienced a panic attack, such as crowded areas or public transport.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
SAD involves an intense fear of social situations where one may be judged or scrutinized by others. This can lead to avoidance of social interactions, affecting relationships and daily activities.
Example: A person with SAD may avoid attending parties or speaking up in meetings due to fear of embarrassment.
4. Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are intense fears of particular objects or situations, such as heights (acrophobia), spiders (arachnophobia), or flying (aviophobia). These fears can lead to avoidance behaviors that disrupt daily life.
Example: An individual with a fear of flying may refuse to travel by airplane, even for important events.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform. These compulsions are often aimed at reducing anxiety related to the obsessions.
Example: A person may obsessively check locks and appliances, fearing that something bad will happen if they don’t.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Example: A veteran may experience flashbacks of combat situations, leading to difficulty in daily functioning.
Dr Karen Brooker
Karen is currently only taking clients for therapy who have and acquired or traumatic brain injury or have an illness or injury which has affected their cognitive functioning. She accepts privately funded clients and those with a Mental Health Care Plan, the NDIS or Insurance Claim.
