Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily activities.

This ongoing worry and tension may be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as restlessness, feeling on edge or easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension or problems sleeping. Irritability is also common.

Often the worries focus on everyday things such as job responsibilities, family health or minor matters such as chores, car repairs, or appointments.

Social anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders in the U.S.

A person with social anxiety disorder has significant anxiety and discomfort about being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected or looked down on in social interactions. People with this disorder will try to avoid the situation or endure it with great anxiety.

Common examples of social situations include public speaking, meeting new people, talking to strangers or eating/drinking in public.

The core symptom of panic disorder is recurrent panic attacks, which involve an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress.

During an attack, multiple symptoms often occur together, including palpitations, a pounding or rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath or smothering sensations, chest pain, dizziness or light-headedness, feelings of choking, numbness or tingling, chills or hot flashes, nausea or abdominal pain, a sense of detachment, fear of losing control, and fear of dying.

Because these symptoms are so intense, many individuals experiencing a panic attack may believe they are having a heart attack or another life-threatening condition and may seek help in a hospital emergency department.

Panic attacks can be expected, triggered by a feared object or situation, or unexpected, appearing seemingly without any reason.

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, such as crowded places, enclosed spaces, public transportation, or being outside alone.

This fear often leads individuals to avoid these situations, which can significantly limit daily activities and independence.

Agoraphobia may develop after repeated panic attacks, as people begin to associate certain places or situations with the risk of having an attack.

In some cases, individuals may be afraid to leave their home.

Health anxiety, also called illness anxiety disorder, involves excessive worry about having or developing a serious medical condition, even when medical evaluations show no significant health problems.

Individuals may frequently check their body for symptoms, seek repeated medical reassurance, or avoid medical care out of fear.

This persistent anxiety can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, despite reassurance from doctors.

Peripartum anxiety refers to intense worry, fear, or nervousness that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth.

During pregnancy, it may involve excessive concern about the baby’s health, labor, or parenting abilities.

After birth, postpartum anxiety can include persistent fears about the baby’s safety, overwhelming responsibility, or intrusive thoughts.

These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning, bonding with the baby, and overall well-being.