You may be reading this because you and/or someone you care about are often nervous, fearful, anxious or generally uncomfortable. The feelings are hard to identify and they are disruptive or even debilitating to everyday life. You are probably seeking understanding and some relief. The following provides information about these kinds of symptoms that may fall into the "Anxiety spectrum" and can assist you and/or your loved one in seeking appropriate support to feel better.

First of all, you should not diagnose yourself - what you read on the Internet, on a blog or anywhere else, is intended to be used as a guide. It is always best to call or visit a licensed mental health professional trained in treating anxiety for a consultation.

Anxiety is experienced by many people and has both psychological and physiological signs. Anxiety disorders are viewed as a "spectrum", divided into seven separate category types along this spectrum, based on different symptoms. One may not experience all of the symptoms of a disorder and symptoms can also overlap between each disorder. Your physician and mental health expert are important for making an accurate diagnosis.

This guide is meant to:

1. Answer some of your questions
2. Expand your awareness
3. Lessen your anxiety about anxiety and fear symptoms

SEVEN TYPES OF ANXIETY

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

In this category, a person has experienced unrealistic or excessive anxiety about two or more life circumstances for at least six months. It is common for a person to experience:

1. Feeling shaky or restless (Motor Tension)
2. Shortness of breath, sweaty hands, dry mouth, nausea or dizziness (Autonomic Hyperactivity symptoms)
3. Feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating or irritability – (Vigilance and Scanning symptoms)

2. Panic Disorder

In this category, the key symptom is unexpected panic attacks for no apparent reason. Panic attacks can be described as having sudden and intense feelings of terror. They are characterized by:

1. A pounding heart, possible weakness, sweating, dizziness or fainting.
2. Tingling or numb hands.
3. Feeling flushed or chilled.
4. Possible nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations.
5. A sense of unreality, fear of impending doom or loss of control.

3. Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is the habit of avoiding places or situations where help may be unavailable during a possible panic attack. This symptom can be described as a fear of fearful feelings. Agoraphobia can range from mild to severe.

4. Social Phobia

This set of symptoms centers on the fear of embarrassing or humiliating oneself in social situations. A person can develop a range of mild to extreme symptoms:

1. Avoidance habits.
2. Performance anxiety and fear of public speaking.
3. Difficulty eating or drinking fall into the mild form of this category.
4. Severe anxiety and panic can characterize the more extreme version.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This category is also known as PTSD. The stress is usually from witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event such as a fire, a car accident, natural catastrophe, or crime like rape or assault, exposure to combat in wartime, or major surgery. Symptoms can range from mild to intense. Read more.

6. Simple Phobia

These are specific phobias (fears) to things or situations like insects, animals, airplanes, bridges, elevators, heights or closed spaces. Unlike having a generalized fear of fearful feelings (agoraphobia), the anxiety is focused on a specific external thing or situation and only in the presence of that thing or situation. Simple phobias become problematic when they interrupt personal or work functioning.

7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Although mild obsessions and compulsions are typical, they become problematic if they interfere with normal functioning or cause severe distress in one's life. Obsession are ideas, images or impulses while compulsions are action or rituals. Read more.

You now have a basic understanding of Anxiety Disorders, and if needed, can follow up with a mental health professional to explore how you or your loved one can best be evaluated and treated.