Anxiety is a common term for some disorders that cause nervousness, fear, uneasiness, hesitation and worrying. These disorders influence how we feel and behave and it can show real physical symptoms. Anxiety is considered a problem when symptoms interfere with a person's ability to sleep or otherwise function. Generally speaking, anxiety occurs when a reaction is out of proportion with what might be normally expected in a situation.

Anxiety disorders can be categorized into several types. Listed below are the most common anxiety disorders.

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - a chronic disorder described by excessive, long-lasting anxiety and be anxious about nonspecific life events, objects, and situations. Their fear is usually unrealistic or out of proportion with what may be expected in their situation. People who suffer from this disorder expect failure and disaster to the point that it hinders person’s daily functions like work, school, social activities, and relationships.

2. Panic Disorder - a type of anxiety described by brief or rapid attacks of intense terror and apprehension that leads to shaking, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Panic attacks tend to arise quickly and peak after 10 minutes, but it can last for hours. Panic disorders usually occur after frightening experiences or prolonged stress, but it can be spontaneous as well.

3. Phobia - is an unreasonable fear and evasion of an object or situation. Phobias are different from generalized anxiety disorders because a phobia has a fear response identified with a specific cause like animals or specific situations. Stimuli for phobia may be as varied as situations, animals, or everyday objects.

4. Social Anxiety Disorder – is a type of social phobia described by a fear of being negatively criticized by others or a fear of public humiliation due to spontaneous actions. This disorder can cause people to avoid public situations and human contact to the point that normal life is rendered impossible.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(OCD – is an anxiety disorder described by thoughts or actions that are recurring, stressful, and disturbing. OCD sufferers usually know that their compulsions are unreasonable or absurd, but they serve to ease their anxiety.

6. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)- is anxiety that results from past trauma such as molestation, hostage situations, or a serious accident. PTSD often leads to flashbacks and behavioral changes in order to avoid certain stimuli.

How is Anxiety treated?

Anxiety disorders react very well to treatment and often in a moderately short amount of time. The precise treatment approach depends on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity. But in general, most anxiety disorders are treated with the following:

• Self Treatment


• Counseling/Therapy


• Medication

• Exercise regularly.


• Eat healthy foods.


• Keeping a regular sleep pattern. You must aim at sleeping at least 8 hours a day.


• Avoid drinking alcohol and cigarettes.


• Free yourself from stress by means of relaxing or taking up a yoga class.