MENTAL HEALTH
ASSIGNMENT - 2
QUESTION: Describe signs and symptoms characteristic of each type of anxiety disorder
i. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - Chronic anxiety, excessive worry, and tension are
hallmarks of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, even when there is little or no trigger. Among the
signs of GAD are:
• Feeling restless, agitated, or on edge
• Feeling easily exhausted
• Having trouble concentrating
• Feeling irritable
• Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or other pains that are not explained
• Having trouble controlling feelings of worry
• Having trouble sleeping, like having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
ii. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - An anxiety disorder known as obsessivecompulsive disorder, or OCD, is characterized by compulsions and recurrent, unwanted
thoughts. Repetitive actions like washing hands, counting, checking, or cleaning are frequently
performed to stop obsessive thoughts. These so-called "rituals" only provide relief, and not
performing them increases anxiety significantly.
Symptoms: - Obsession
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Tension for Contamination
anxiety for not getting things in symmetrically.
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many irrelevant thoughts like sexual, religious, etc.
Compulsion
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Hand washing
checking repeatedly
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several times counting
Behavior
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Fear of germs or contamination
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Unwanted forbidden thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm
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Aggressive thoughts toward oneself or others
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Having things in a perfect order
iii. Panic Disorder - An anxiety disorder known as a panic disorder is characterized by sudden
and recurrent bouts of intense fear that are accompanied by physical symptoms like heart
palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or discomfort in the abdominal area. Heart
palpitations, shortness of breath, imminent doom feelings, and chest pain are all possible
symptoms. The signs include a heartbeat that is pounding or racing, sweating, trembling, or
tingling, chest pain, fear of death, and feeling out of control are all symptoms.
iv. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Anxiety disorder, known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,
or PTSD, can occur following exposure to a horrenduous event which may have resulted to
physical harm. Violent personal assaults, natural or artificial disasters, accidents, and military
combat are examples of traumas that can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The signs
include:
• Having flashbacks
• Being easily startled or scared
• Always being alert to potential danger.
• Negative self-talk, like driving too fast or drinking too much.
• Having difficulty concentrating and sleeping
• Anxiety, irritability, or aggressive behavior
v. Social Phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder or overwhelming guilt or shame, is an
anxiety disorder characterized by excessive self-consciousness and overwhelming anxiety in
everyday social situations. A fear of speaking in public, for example, is an example of a social
phobia that can be restricted to a single setting. It may be so widespread in its most severe form
that a person experiences symptoms whenever they are around other people. The signs include:
• Blushing, sweating or trembling
• Stomachaches
• Rigid body posture or speaking in an excessively soft and slow voice
• Feelings of fear that people will negatively judge them
• Struggle making eye contact or being around people they don't know
Reference
What are the five major types of anxiety disorders? HHS.gov. (2021). Retrieved November 18,
2022, from https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-thefive-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html