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1. Anxiety
Disorders
What is an anxiety disorder?
We all feel anxious from time to time however, for some
people, these anxious feelings are overwhelming and
cannot be brought under control easily. An anxiety
disorder is more than just feeling stressed – it’s a serious
condition that makes it hard for the person to cope from
day to day.
How common are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are very common. One in four people will
experience an anxiety disorder at some stage in their lives.
Types of anxiety disorders
There is a range of anxiety disorders. The six most common
disorders are:
1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) which involves
the person feeling anxious and worried on most days over
six months or more.
2. Specific Phobia: When a person has a Specific Phobia,
he/she feels very fearful about a particular object or
situation. As a result, people may go to great lengths to
avoid these objects/situations, making it difficult for them
to go about their daily life. Examples include fear of having
an injection or travelling on a plane.
3. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): People with
OCD have ongoing unwanted/intrusive thoughts and fears
(obsessions) which cause anxiety. These obsessions are
relieved by carrying out certain behaviours or rituals
(compulsions). For example, a fear of germs and
contamination (obsession) can lead to constant washing
of hands and clothes (compulsion).
beyondblue info line
www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636

2. Anxiety
Disorders
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
may occur any time from one month after a person
experiences a traumatic event (e.g. war, assault, accident).
The symptoms can include difficulty relaxing, upsetting
dreams or flashbacks of the incident, and the avoidance
of anything related to the event.
5. Panic Disorder: A person with Panic Disorder has panic
attacks, which are intense feelings of anxiety. These
feelings are overwhelming and cannot be brought under
control easily. Sometimes people experiencing a panic
attack will think they are having a heart attack or are
about to die.
6. Social Phobia: A person with Social Phobia has an
intense fear of criticism, being embarrassed or humiliated,
even in everyday situations (e.g. eating in public, public
speaking, being assertive or making small talk).
Anxiety disorders are common, but the sooner you get
help, the sooner you can learn to control these conditions,
so they don’t control you.
For more information about anxiety disorders, symptom
checklists, effective treatments and where to get help, visit
www.beyondblue.org.au or www.youthbeyondblue.com
or call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.
© beyondblue: the national depression initiative, 2009.
05/09
beyondblue info line
www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636