Anxiety is a normal emotion that we need to survive. It’s a natural reaction that everyone experiences – part of our fight or flight response – which helps us to be alert for potentially dangerous or fearful situations. However for some people anxiety prevents them from living their life in the way that they would like.

What are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?

• Specific Phobia – anxiety provokes by a feared objects or situations.
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – marked by persistent and excessive worry and anxiety.
• Social Phobia – anxiety in social or performance situations and fear of being judged negatively by people.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Persistent and unwanted thoughts, images and impulses, and repetitive behaviours or mental acts aimed at reducing distress.
• Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia – anxiety about or avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult (or embarrassing) or where a panic attack may occur, or where help may not be available in the event of a panic attack.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – the re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event.

Source: Adapted from fact sheet produced by the Mental Health Information Service