All psychological and physiological anxiety disorders reveal themselves and are diagnosed by the various symptoms that they present and each variety and type of anxiety has its own distinct symptoms. However, many varieties of anxiety will include symptoms associated with other forms of anxiety. 

For example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) has its own unique and defining symptoms. However, at times it will present symptoms associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is why many medical examiners have difficulty in making a proper anxiety diagnosis.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Symptoms

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most extreme and common types of anxiety that afflicts nearly 7 million people each and every year. This variety of anxiety is one the hardest to diagnosis due to the fact that it can involve symptoms from all other types of anxiety. Below are the most common symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). However, they are not limited to the symptoms presented herein.

• Restless And Being “On Edge”: A person with GAD will experience extreme prolonged periods of time where they are very restless or are constantly feeling “on edge”. This restlessness can cause a person to pace or to always need to be “on the go”. Being “on edge” can cause a person to have a short temper and to always have a sense of impending “doom” or “dread”. Additionally, a person with GAD may grow very irritable. 
• Tension And Overwhelming Worry: A person with GAD will constantly be worrying about things that they have little or no control of.  Additionally, they will worry about things that they DO have control over and will have an increased stress level. GAD sufferers will also experience high levels of uncomfortable tension. This tension can involve physical muscle tension. This worrying can actually lead to a person having “unrealistic views” of common and every day problems.
• Decreased Concentration: A decrease in overall concentration is a major symptom of GAD. A person with Generalized Anxiety Disorder will have a much harder time concentrating than an average individual.   Many people who suffer from GAD have a hard time concentrating in school. For this reason many people who have GAD are actually thought to have a “learning disability”.
• Physical Symptoms: Generalized Anxiety Disorder can produce common physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and even extreme cases of sweating.  People with GAD may also tremble or get the “shakes”. Additionally, many people who suffer from GAD will have the urge to urinate more frequently than people who do not have GAD.
• Sleep Problems: The majority of Generalized Anxiety Disorder sufferers are tired all the time. This tiredness is due to the fact that the majority of people who do have GAD will have problems falling asleep or will have issues with actually staying awake. In fact, people with GAD rarely get a “good nights sleep”.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD is one of the most discussed and recognized forms of anxiety. This is due to the manner in which OCD presents itself in sufferers. Due to its very distinct symptoms it is one of the easiest forms of anxiety to diagnosis. OCD generally presents one or more symptoms which involve repetition.

• Extreme And Uncontrollable Repetition: With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder a person will generally begin to exhibit behaviors in which they repeat actions.  For example, a person with OCD may need to touch an item a specific number of times before opening or using it. Many people with OCD will experience issues involving cleanliness. They will wash their hands multiple times in a day and will be careful about the things they touch and come into contact with.
• Overwhelming Worry, Concern, Or Fear: OCD sufferers may also experience overwhelming senses of fear.  This fear may involve the environment or health issues. The majority of OCD sufferers do suffer from a fear of the things around them due to health scares. This fear can turn into overwhelming senses of concern and worry.

Additionally, many people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may turn to pulling their hair, biting their nails, and even using harmful substances such as bleach to bathe with or to clean their hands. This can lead to physical health issues. It can also lead to depression and eating disorders due to fears of food or contamination. 

It can also lead to major social issues. Due to fear many people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may find themselves unable to leave their homes or to appear in social settings. This can cause a person with OCD to lose their job and to also fall into deep depression.

Panic Disorder (Panic Attack) Symptoms

Panic disorder afflicts 6 million people each year in the US. Panic attacks can last for minutes or hours. The horrible part of this anxiety disorder is the fact that it can occur at any moment and time without warning. These attacks can also lead to physical health issues such a high stress, high blood pressure, and even heart related problems.

Common symptoms of Panic Disorder include:

• Increased heart rate or “racing” heart; also, known as heart palpitations.
• Extreme or mild chest pains or pressure of the chest.
• Difficulty with breathing or an increase in a persons breathing pattern.
• Nausea or upset stomach. Extreme cases of heartburn.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Body chills, hot flashes, or an extreme decrease or increase in body temperature. This includes massive sweating.
• Extreme feelings of fear or of being overwhelmed. This can also involve increases in a persons stress level. Additionally, a person suffering from a panic attack may feel the need to “escape” or may feel like they are dying.

The Extreme Nature Of Anxiety Symptoms

The above symptoms may be experienced by all sufferers or they may only experience a few of the symptoms. If a person realizes that they are experiencing symptoms related to anxiety they should immediately seek out treatment methods. If left untreated a person experiencing anxiety could end up experiencing major health issues in the future.