Types of Anxiety Disorders
| Disorder | Key Feature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | Excessive uncontrollable worry about multiple areas | ≥6 months |
| Panic Disorder | Recurrent unexpected panic attacks + fear of next attack | Recurring |
| Social Anxiety Disorder | Intense fear of social situations and embarrassment | ≥6 months |
| Specific Phobia | Disproportionate fear of specific object/situation | Persistent |
| Health Anxiety (Hypochondria) | Preoccupation with having serious illness | ≥6 months |
| PTSD | Following traumatic event: flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance | ≥1 month |
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
- Palpitations, rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness
- Sweating, trembling
- Nausea, stomach churning, diarrhoea
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Muscle tension and aches
- Headaches
- Difficulty swallowing ('lump in throat')
Breathing Technique4-7-8 breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces the acute anxiety response within minutes. Practice daily, not just during attacks.
CBT: How It Works
CBT identifies unhelpful thought patterns ('cognitive distortions') and behavioural avoidance that maintain anxiety. By challenging thoughts and gradually facing feared situations (exposure), the anxiety response is extinguished.
What medications treat anxiety?
SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram) are first-line for GAD, social anxiety, panic disorder, and health anxiety. SNRIs (venlafaxine) are second-line. Beta-blockers (propranolol) help performance anxiety. Benzodiazepines are for short-term crisis only — avoid long-term.
Can anxiety cause physical chest pain?
Yes. Anxiety activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing real physiological changes — elevated heart rate, muscle tension, hyperventilation — which can cause genuine chest pain. However, always rule out cardiac causes first.
What is the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?
Anxiety is a persistent state of worry and apprehension. A panic attack is an acute, intense surge of fear with physical symptoms (palpitations, breathlessness, derealization) peaking within 10 minutes. Panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected attacks.
How is health anxiety treated?
CBT with exposure to feared health situations (without reassurance-seeking) is most effective. SSRIs help. Avoid excessive reassurance-seeking and medical investigations, as they reinforce anxiety rather than resolving it.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.