4 Kinds of Anxiety and Where They Come From
Anxiety is a common and complex emotion that is felt by millions of people around the world. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of the human experience, it becomes problematic when it becomes pervasive and persistent. If a person starts to feel daily anxiety, it can begin to interfere with their ability to function and quality of life. In that case, it can mean that something larger is at play, namely an anxiety disorder.
When a person is experiencing an anxiety disorder, one of the best treatment options available to them is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This form of therapy offers valuable insight into understanding and managing anxiety by exploring the different types and their origins.
Let’s look at 4 common anxiety disorders and how they relate to CBT principles:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is one of the most common forms of anxiety. It is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety and has a range of concerns such as relationships, work, health, and finances. These worries are often irrational and disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the situation.
From a CBT perspective, GAD typically stems from thinking traps such as:
Catastrophizing – imagining the worst-case scenario
Overgeneralizing – applying all negative experiences to unrelated situations
All-or-nothing thinking – only thinking in extremes
Emotional reasoning – taking emotions as evidence of truth
CBT employs techniques that identify, challenge, and reconstruct these maladaptive thought patterns. As an individual begins to recognize when they are falling into a thinking trap, they can reframe their perspective, ultimately reducing anxious feelings.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder
SAD (not to be confused with seasonal affective disorder) is an intense fear of social situations and interactions. They may feel self-conscious or fear embarrassing themselves in public. An individual with SAD might avoid social gatherings, public speaking, or large crowds.
The goal of CBT for social anxiety disorder is to identify and target underlying fears and negative beliefs that contribute to social discomfort. Therapy can help individuals gradually face these fears, challenge negative self-perceptions, and develop coping strategies for social interactions.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Someone with OCD has recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and performs repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) as a response to those thoughts. Some common obsessions of OCD are fear of contamination, concerns over safety, or the need for symmetry and order. Common compulsions include cleaning, checking, or counting.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a component of CBT that aims to break the OCD cycle. Through gradual exposure to fears, while refraining from performing compulsions, an individual can hopefully see a reduction in anxiety and symptom severity.
4. Phobias
Phobias are an overwhelming and excessive fear of specific objects, situations, or activities. Many people have fears of spiders, snakes, heights, or enclosed spaces, but they become problematic when they trigger intense anxiety and avoidant behavior. They can even alter daily function and quality of life.
CBT for phobias involves exposure therapy, where individuals gradually confront their fears in a supportive and controlled environment. Through repeated exposure and relaxation techniques, an individual learns to desensitize themselves slowly and reduce their anxiety response.
Where Anxiety Comes From
When it comes to all types of anxiety, there isn’t one specific cause for any of the different kinds of anxiety. Several factors can make someone more susceptible to developing signs and symptoms of anxiety. These are some of the most common causes of anxiety:
Environmental factors
Family history
Genetics
Life events
Medications
Personality
Next Steps
While anxiety is the most pervasive mental health disorder, it is also the most treatable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has provided much relief for anxiety disorders and can offer you valuable insight into the symptoms you are experiencing. In CBT, you can learn techniques that help you effectively manage anxiety and improve your overall well-being. If you’re ready to start this journey, email me or schedule a consultation session.
Read about our Anxiety Therapy in Washington DC and VA.