Panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder are just some of the different types of anxiety disorders that affect millions of adult Americans every year. Anxiety disorder and anxiety problems are more common in women than in men, and are identified by extreme feelings of panic, worry, or a preoccupation with negative events that could occur in the person’s life.

According to WebMD.com, an anxiety disorder “is a serious mental illness. People suffering from it often show excessive fear, worry, or irrational behavior in response to everyday situations. Recognizing the different types of anxiety disorder can help the person cope better with the effect and the situation that may be causing the problem. Here’s a close look at the different types of anxiety disorders:

1. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). A person with OCD experiences involuntary intrusive thoughts and is frightened that something bad will happen. The person then will be compelled to do time-consuming routines to reduce the feeling of dread. The person typically designs their own routine to help reduce a certain type of fear. For example, someone who fears germs and disease may constantly wash their hands. Someone who fears that things will be out of control may constantly arrange and rearrange furniture or objects in the home.

2. Social anxiety disorder. eople who excessively worry what others may think about them may suffer from this disorder. They are afraid of being judged, rejected, or shamed by others and so they refrain from attending social activities.

3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This type of anxiety disorder is the most common among adult men and women in the United States, and consists of constant worry, angst or tension about situations that may not be in proportion with the actual circumstance or event. This can turn into a problem when it interferes with relationships, work or the person’s emotional health.

4. PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This disorder normally surfaces after a person has experienced a traumatic event. The person may have nightmares or recurrent memories about the event, and can have difficult functioning in everyday life. In some cases, mildly stressful situations can trigger extreme anxiety, fear or anger, because the person is reliving the traumatic experience and reacting to it in the present time.

5. Agoraphobia and other phobias related to anxiety. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of having a panic attack in a public situation that could cause severe embarrassment. Other phobias related to anxiety disorders are often experienced by those who have been diagnosed with panic disorder and other disorders, and are rooted in feelings of being ashamed or judged about their problem.  The “anxiety about anxiety” is a hallmark trait of these types of phobias. Another common anxiety problem that falls in this category is the fear of driving.

These are just some of the most common anxiety and panic disorders afflicting people all over the globe. People who have undergone a traumatic incidence, have a difficulty dealing with stress, and those with a family history of anxiety issues are more prone to these disorders. It is important to identify what type of anxiety disorder a person is experiencing before creating an effective treatment plan for the problem.