Types of Anxiety
Anxiety is not one condition. It shows up in different ways, with different triggers, symptoms, and treatment needs. Knowing the type matters. It helps you understand what is happening and guides the right care.
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry in Rockville, MD, we evaluate anxiety carefully. We look beyond labels and focus on how symptoms affect your daily life.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, often called GAD, involves ongoing worry that feels hard to control. The worry shifts from one topic to another and often feels constant.
Common signs include
- Excessive worry about daily life
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Muscle tension
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
People with GAD often say their mind never slows down, even when things are going well.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder centers around sudden panic attacks. These episodes can feel intense and frightening, even when no real danger exists.
Common signs include
- Sudden racing heart
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Dizziness
- Fear of losing control or dying
Many people begin avoiding places or situations after panic attacks, which can shrink daily life over time.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety goes beyond shyness. It involves a strong fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations.
Common signs include
- Fear of speaking or performing in front of others
- Avoiding social events
- Intense self consciousness
- Physical symptoms like sweating or trembling
This condition can affect work, school, relationships, and confidence.
Specific Phobias
A specific phobia is an intense fear tied to a particular object or situation. The fear feels immediate and overwhelming.
Common examples include
- Fear of flying
- Fear of heights
- Fear of needles
- Fear of enclosed spaces
People often know the fear is excessive, but avoidance still feels necessary.
Separation Anxiety in Adults
Separation anxiety is often linked with childhood, but it can affect adults too. It involves distress when away from a person you feel deeply attached to.
Common signs include
- Strong fear of being apart from a loved one
- Constant checking or reassurance seeking
- Difficulty focusing when separated
- Physical symptoms during separation
This can strain relationships and daily responsibilities.
Health Anxiety
Health anxiety focuses on fears about illness or physical symptoms. Minor sensations can feel serious or dangerous.
Common signs include
- Frequent health related worry
- Repeated checking or reassurance seeking
- Difficulty trusting medical reassurance
- Increased anxiety after online searches
Health anxiety often overlaps with other anxiety conditions and needs a thoughtful approach.
When Anxiety Conditions Overlap
Many people experience more than one type of anxiety. Anxiety can also occur alongside depression, OCD, or ADHD. This is why diagnosis alone is not enough.
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry, we take time to understand patterns, triggers, and history. Treatment plans are personalized and adjusted as symptoms change.
How Anxiety Is Treated
Treatment depends on the type of anxiety, severity, and personal goals. Options may include
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Medication when appropriate
- Therapy coordination
- Advanced options for treatment resistant symptoms
We focus on evidence based care and long term improvement, not quick fixes.
Why Choose Bright Horizons Psychiatry
We are a specialized psychiatry clinic in Rockville, MD. Our team has experience treating complex anxiety conditions and overlapping mental health concerns.
We offer
- Comprehensive evaluations
- Medication management
- Advanced treatments like TMS and ketamine based therapies when appropriate
- A calm, respectful clinical environment
You do not need to figure this out alone.