Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety is not a single condition — it includes several distinct disorders, each with different patterns and treatment approaches. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves chronic, excessive worry about everyday matters. Panic disorder features recurrent unexpected panic attacks with physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of social situations and being judged. Specific phobias are intense fears of particular objects or situations.
Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment varies by disorder. For example, CBT for panic disorder emphasizes interoceptive exposure (learning to tolerate physical sensations), while social anxiety treatment focuses on gradual social exposure and cognitive restructuring of fear of judgment.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — persistent, excessive worry
- Panic disorder — recurrent panic attacks with physical symptoms
- Social anxiety disorder — fear of social situations and scrutiny
- Specific phobias — intense fear of particular objects or situations
- Mixed anxiety — features of multiple anxiety types
Related: Psychiatry → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
Treatment approaches
Treatment for anxiety typically begins with psychoeducation (understanding the anxiety cycle), followed by CBT techniques including cognitive restructuring, graduated exposure, and relaxation strategies. For moderate to severe anxiety, pharmacotherapy with SSRIs or SNRIs may be recommended alongside CBT to reduce symptom severity while you build coping skills.
Dr. Shrestha uses a measurement-based care approach — tracking your GAD-7 score and functional improvement at each session to ensure treatment is working. Treatment plans are collaborative: you will be involved in deciding whether to start with therapy alone, medication alone, or a combined approach based on severity, preferences, and prior treatment history.
| Severity | Typical approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | CBT alone, lifestyle modifications | Often effective without medication |
| Moderate | CBT + medication (SSRI/SNRI) | Combined approach for faster improvement |
| Severe | Medication + CBT + safety planning | Stabilize symptoms, then build skills |
Getting started with treatment
The first step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine the type and severity of anxiety, rule out medical causes (thyroid dysfunction, cardiac conditions), and assess for co-occurring conditions like depression or substance use. This evaluation typically takes 45–60 minutes.
Bring a list of current medications, any previous treatment records, and a brief description of your main concerns. If you experience panic attacks, noting their frequency, duration, and triggers beforehand can be helpful for the evaluation. Treatment can begin once a clear diagnosis and collaborative plan are established.
- Initial evaluation: 45–60 minutes for thorough assessment
- Bring medication list and prior records if available
- Note panic attack frequency and triggers if applicable
- Treatment begins after diagnosis and shared decision-making