7^th European Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Meeting

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress or a perceived threat, but when it becomes excessive, uncontrollable, or persistent, it can be classified as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.

Some common types of anxiety disorders include:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, or relationships, even when there is little or no reason to worry. Physical symptoms may include restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating.
2. Panic Disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, or a feeling of impending doom.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear of social situations or performance situations where the person fears being judged, criticized, or embarrassed. This fear may lead to avoidance of social interactions and can significantly impact daily life.
4. Specific Phobias: Intense fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation, such as heights, flying, animals, or blood. The fear is irrational and may lead to avoidance behaviors.
5. Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from people to whom the individual is attached, leading to significant distress when anticipating or experiencing separation.