Anxiety is a normal part of life—but for millions of people, it becomes overwhelming and persistent. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults every year. While the symptoms can vary, most anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life. The good news? With proper diagnosis and treatment—especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—these conditions are highly manageable.
In this post, we’ll explore the most common types of anxiety disorders and how evidence-based treatments like CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help.
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
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People with GAD experience chronic worry about everyday situations—finances, work, health, family—even when there is no clear reason to worry. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. CBT can help identify and challenge the thought patterns that fuel this constant worry.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions). For example, someone may feel driven to wash their hands repeatedly to relieve anxiety about germs. ERP, a specific form of CBT, is considered the gold standard for OCD treatment.
3. Panic Disorder
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This disorder is marked by sudden, intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks. Physical symptoms may include chest pain, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. CBT can teach clients how to reduce fear of these sensations and prevent avoidance behaviors.
4. Social Anxiety Disorder
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People with social anxiety experience intense fear in social or performance situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people. They often fear being judged or embarrassed. CBT focuses on gradually facing feared situations and challenging negative beliefs about social interactions.
5. Specific Phobias
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Specific phobias involve intense fear of a particular object or situation—like flying, heights, or animals. These fears often lead to avoidance that interferes with daily life. CBT and gradual exposure techniques are highly effective in treating specific phobias.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety. Trauma-focused CBT helps individuals process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.
When to Seek Help
If anxiety is interfering with your relationships, work, or overall quality of life, it may be time to talk with a licensed therapist. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and the right support can make a profound difference.
Final Thoughts
At Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we specialize in treating anxiety disorders using proven techniques like CBT and ERP. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, or any other form of anxiety, Susan Haverty, MFT, provides compassionate, one-on-one care in the Sacramento area.
Learn more or schedule a consultation at Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
