Anxiety disorders are classified as the most common, or frequently occurring, of all mental disorders. They include a group of conditions that share extreme anxiety as the principal disturbance of emotions. Anxiety, which is the pathological counterpart of normal fear, is manifested by disturbances of mood, as well as of thinking, behavior, and physiological activity.

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Panic Disorder (with or without a history of agoraphobia)

• Social Anxiety (also called social phobia)

• Agoraphobia (with or without a history of panic disorder)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Specific Phobias

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Acute Stress Disorder

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders:

• Chest pains or palpitations

• Panic attacks or generalized anxiety

• Muscle pains, tingling, numbness

• Shortness of breath or smothering sensations

• Stomach or bowel problems

• Sweating, insomnia,  fatigue

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Disturbing or confused thoughts

• Depression, anger,  irritability

• Feeling alone, isolated, or disconnected from surroundings

• Phobias, like agoraphobia or social phobia