As many as 18% of Americans have reported they suffer from an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder is one of many different fears and excessive anxiety, and is an umbrella term for a number of different panic and phobia related conditions.

Those suffering from a general anxiety not focused on a particular experience or fear are said to be suffering from GAD – Generalized anxiety disorder. Those suffering will begin to feel anxious about common everyday functions, but it is hard to pin down the exact reason for the fear. GAD is the most common form of anxiety disorder to affect older American adults.

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, which includes any fear and anxiety arising from a very specific situation or object. Sufferers can have intense panic attacks triggered from being in the same vicinity of the object of their fear.

Although agoraphobia is indeed a phobia it is slightly distinct as the effect of agoraphobia (the fear of being outside in a public place) is usually initially triggered because of other reasons – for example fear of embarrassment in a public place. Sufferers of agoraphobia are rarely fearful of the outdoors in itself, but instead the consequences and dangers of being outdoors.

Panic disorder is a condition where the person suffers a number of panic attacks – shaking, shortness of breath, and feelings of intense fear. One is said to have a panic disorder when the effects of these attacks spill over into other parts of their lives. The sufferer begins to fear the onslaught of another panic attack.

Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder) is the fear of public humiliation. Although many people suffer a lack of confidence and can find public speaking stressful, the social phobia sufferer feels intense fear of these situations. It is common for a social phobia sufferer to also be afraid of relatively tame social situations, such as parties or social gatherings. This can lead to social isolation as the sufferer attempts to avoid these situations.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is anxiety borne from a traumatic experience. This can occur when one has experienced an extremely stressful situation (for example rape, natural disaster, war, hostage situations). Symptoms can include flashbacks, anxiety, depression and hyper-vigilance.

Each of these types of anxiety disorder can be triggered in a different way, but are almost always treatable if the sufferer is able to reach out for support.

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