GAD is not the same as the occasional worrying about everyday stressors or even a stressful life event. It involves a constant or persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can last for months or even years. This type of anxiety can most certainly interfere with normal activities of daily living. Associated symptoms: Irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, feeling “on edge”, or even unexplained physical symptoms.

Social anxiety disorder is described as a fear of social situations, which may feel so overwhelming that it’s out of their control. This feeling arises from a persistent and intense fear of being watched and judged by those around them. A fear this intense may prevent someone from participating in everyday activities, going to work, or attending school. Associated behaviors/symptoms: Avoiding eye contact, rapid heartbeat, trembling, blushing, sweating, extreme feeling of self-consciousness, situational avoidance.

Those affected by a panic disorder can have frequent and oftentimes unexpected panic attacks. Although there may be no actual danger or even a clear trigger, panic attacks are often described as sudden feelings of intense fear and discomfort as well as loss of control. Associated symptoms: Chest pain, sweating, racing heart, trembling, a sense of impending doom, feeling out of control.

The American Psychiatric Association describes a phobia as “an irrational and excessive fear of an object or situation.” The intense fear experienced by someone with a phobia is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the object or situation. Associated symptoms: Sweating, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, numbness, trembling, shortness of breath, or even vomiting.