Question

When does anxiety turn into a disorder? Explain the different types of anxiety disorders.

Answer 1

Anxiety turns into a disorder when its level is so high that it causes intense distress and interferes with effective daily functioning (4Ds of abnormality).

Types of anxiety disorders:

1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Persistent, free-floating, excessive worry and tension about many everyday events.
2. Phobia: Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, leading to strong avoidance.
3. Panic Disorder: Recurrent, sudden panic attacks with pounding heart, breathlessness, and fear of dying or losing control.
4. Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive, developmentally inappropriate anxiety about separation from major attachment figures.