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Levels of Anxiety
by Brooke Nichols
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Overview
Levels of Anxiety
Levels of anxiety can range from mild to severe depending on the type of anxiety that is diagnosed. Anxiety can result from specific triggers or can come on spontaneously. High levels of anxiety can significantly impair a person's functioning. Seeking help from a mental health professional can help determine how to treat anxiety.
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Generalized Anxiety
Feeling tense, on edge, keyed up and restless most of the time is called generalized anxiety. This type of anxiety is considered mild but can be very uncomfortable. The levels of anxiety remain consistent on a daily basis and symptoms are not associated with specific stimuli.
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Phobic Anxiety
Fearing specific objects or situations is characteristic of phobic anxiety. This type of anxiety is usually experienced only when the stimulus is present (such as with a fear of flying or fear of snakes). Anxiety levels raise when the situation or object appears.
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Panic Attacks
Experiencing panic attacks include occur fear of losing control or dying. Physical symptoms of panic attacks (such as chest pain, numbness) can cause anxiety levels to heighten to the point where a person may seek emergency care.
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Obsessions/Compulsions
Obsessing thoughts that result in ritualistic behavior, or compulsions, can be debilitating. Obsessions and compulsions function to relieve anxiety. These behaviors cause significant impairment in daily functioning and take place when anxiety is at a very severe level.
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Post-traumatic Stress
Experiencing post-traumatic stress is a severe level of anxiety. A traumatic event must occur that results in intrusive thoughts, recurrent nightmares, flashbacks and terror.
