On this page
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
- Specific phobias
- Which anxiety disorder do I have?
- Do I have anxiety or am I just feeling anxious?
- What do different types of anxiety feel like?
- Supporting someone else with anxiety
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Generalised anxiety disorder is when someone feels anxious on most days.
The constant worrying can make it hard to work, study or see friends and family.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder is when someone has ongoing unwanted or intrusive thoughts and fears that cause anxiety.
They may use rituals or repetitive behaviours. For example, a fear of germs can lead to constant washing.
Panic disorder
Panic attacks are intense, overwhelming and often uncontrollable feelings of anxiety. Physical symptoms can include trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness and sweating.
If someone has repeated panic attacks they may have a panic disorder.
Specific phobias
A specific phobia is when someone feels very scared about a particular object or situation.
Common specific phobias are spiders, heights, having an injection or travelling on a plane.
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is when someone has an intense fear of being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated.
This fear can happen even in everyday situations, such as eating in front of others or talking to people.
Learn more about social anxiety disorder.