What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a type of fear usually associated with a per-

ceived threat or something going wrong in the future,
but it can also arise from something happening right
now. Unlike fear itself, which is a response to an im-
mediate danger, anxiety is an ongoing sense of worry
without a specific cause.
What are the different types of anxiety?
Agoraphobia is an intense anxiety which trig-
gers a panic response, commonly associated
with open spaces. Onset of agoraphobia is usual-
ly between the ages of 18 and 35.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is
the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder
and usually affects young adults. While feelings
of anxiety are normal, people with GAD find it
hard to control them to an extent that limits their
daily life.
Panic is an exaggeration of the bodys normal
response to fear, stress or excitement. Symp-
toms include a pounding heart, feeling faint,
sweating, shaky limbs, nausea, chest pains,
breathing discomfort and feelings of losing con-
trol.
A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a spe-
cific object or situation which makes the person expe-
riencing it go to great lengths to avoid it.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
or syndrome, is a reaction to highly stressful or
traumatising events. People commonly experi-
ence flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares or
avoid situations that might trigger memories of
the event.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) are charac-
terised by unwanted, intrusive, or repetitive feelings
that make the individual feel driven to do something
to get rid of the obsessive thoughts.
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