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Types of anxiety disorder

There are several types of anxiety disorders. They can be distinguished by the different characteristics of each type. For example, the intensity of the anxiety symptoms, the underlying triggers and the duration of these symptoms; these are all factors that differ for each type of anxiety disorder.
Manon van Overdijk
Latest medical review by:
Jacqueline Tolhoek 15 April 2025

What are the different types of anxiety disorders?

What anxiety disorder do I have? How do you know which symptoms belong to which type of anxiety disorder?
These are 9 types of anxiety disorders;

 

  1. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    If you suffer from GAD, you experience brooding worries about things that might or might not happen. You’re in a constant state of nervous tension. 
  2. Agoraphobia
    Agoraphobia means having a fear of certain places and situations. The location triggers feelings of dread, even if you don’t know exactly why.
  3. Panic disorder 
    If you have panic disorder, you’ll frequently experience sudden panic attacks that quickly disappear. You might experience them, for example, when riding on public transport. You’ll experience anxiety and fear of losing control.
  4. Social anxiety disorder
    Social anxiety disorder means you have difficulty interacting with others. You’re afraid of what other people might think. A common form of social anxiety is fear of failure.
  5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    People with OCD have to respond to certain urges or experience repetitive thoughts they can’t break. For example, you might have to keep checking that you’ve locked the door.
  6. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    PTSD occurs in response to a traumatic event. You’re struggling to process the fear you felt at the time. This leads to stress and anxiety.
  7. Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondria)
    With illness anxiety disorder you have an excessive anxiety about having or getting a serious illness or condition.
  8. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
    Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder in which you worry excessively about your physical appearance. You often focus on specific features or body parts that you think are flawed or unattractive.
  9. Specific phobia
    With a specific phobia, you are specifically afraid of objects, animals or situations.

 

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