Panic disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Ever felt the need to do something constantly or at least a certain number of times? People who suffer from Obsessive-compulsive disorder are constantly hassled with thoughts or fears that will make them perform certain routines repeatedly. They are obsessed with doing rituals till they feel satisfied, which unfortunately is not for long. For example — some people are obsessed with keeping their things a certain way and get very upset if someone changes their routine.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Caused after the occurrence of a traumatising event, a mental, physical or sexual assault, the loss of a much loved relationship, death of a close one, or even a natural disaster can all trigger off this disorder. People who suffer from it often can’t stop having frightening thoughts of that event and are unable to get the bad memories from out of their head. They feel numb and feel scared about the event recurring.

Social anxiety disorder

This disorder is also called as social phobia because it involves anxiety and feelings of overwhelming worry. People who suffer from this get painstakingly self conscious about daily social situations. They think that people are continuously staring at them and judging them. This fear of being judged by others, behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to derision makes such people high strung and nervous.

Specific phobias

These phobias are an intense fear of a certain object, situations or even a place. Acute fear of certain animals or insects (spiders, cockroaches, lizards etc), heights, swimming, flying etc all fit in this category.

Generalised anxiety disorder

This is where a person unnecessarily worries, assumes and jumps to conclusions based on little or no facts.

General symptoms

• Feelings of panic
• Fear
• Uneasiness
• Uncontrollable or obsessive thoughts
• Repeated flashbacks of past traumatic experiences
• Recurrent nightmares
• Insomnia
• Palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Numbness
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Pic: Joana Croft