• Phobias are considered to be irrational and overwhelming fears of an object or a situation. Most people will avoid those objects or situations in order to avoid the fear that accompanies it.

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be extremely distressing. Obsessions are mental thoughts or ideas that are persistent.  Thoughts such as “did I turn off the stove” can disrupt a person’s life until they have checked the stove. Compulsive behaviors are repetitive actions. A person with compulsive behaviors may need to check the stove over and over to make sure that it is turned off.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a severe emotional reaction to a traumatic event. The symptoms include intense fear, helplessness and horror. People suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder continue to relive the event in thoughts, dreams, images, flashbacks or feelings of despair.

• Separation Anxiety Disorder normally occurs in young children and often disappears as the child gets older. However, when not treated Separation Anxiety Disorder can develop into a different anxiety disorder.

For more information on Anxiety Disorders, please visit Anxiety at Health Central.

Sources:

Understanding Anxiety, 2006, Health Central

Anxiety Disorders, 2007, National Institute of Mental Health