Some people experience anxiety so often or so strongly that it affects everyday life.

Health professionals sometimes use words like generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety to describe these experiences.

You don’t need a diagnosis to get support. Some people find labels helpful, while others prefer not to use them. Both are okay.

Here are some of the most common anxiety-related conditions:

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD involves ongoing worry about many everyday things, such as work, relationships, health or money.

People with GAD often feel tense or “on edge” most of the time and may find it hard to relax. The worrying can feel constant and overwhelming, even when there’s no immediate problem. It can affect sleep, concentration and day-to-day life.

Social anxiety (social phobia)

Social anxiety involves a strong fear of social situations.

People may worry a lot about what others think of them, feel embarrassed or judged, and avoid social situations when they can.

Social anxiety is very common and can have a big impact on a person’s day-to-day life.

Health anxiety

Health anxiety involves worrying a lot about your health.

Some people worry about symptoms they notice in their body. Others worry about illnesses they might get in future. This worry can feel overwhelming and distressing.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder involves repeated panic attacks. These are sudden, intense waves of fear or distress that can come on quickly and feel very frightening. Panic attacks can sometimes happen without an obvious trigger.

During a panic attack, people may notice symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, shaking or a feeling of losing control. Some people begin to worry about having another attack, which can lead to avoiding certain places or situations.

Panic attacks are not dangerous, but they can feel overwhelming. With the right support, people can learn ways to reduce their impact and regain confidence.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can affect people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or frightening event.

People with PTSD may re-live the experience through intrusive memories, flashbacks or dreams. They may feel constantly on edge (hypervigilant), be easily startled, have trouble sleeping, or feel panic or distress.

Symptoms can start soon after the event, but PTSD is usually diagnosed if they last for a month or more. For some people, symptoms may not appear until weeks, months or even years later.

If you’d like to understand more about what trauma means, you can read Mind’s guide to trauma and its effects.

Phobias

A phobia is a strong fear of a specific situation, object or place.

Common phobias include a fear of:

  • birds or spiders
  • heights or flying
  • travelling in lifts or being in a confined space
  • visiting the dentist or having an injection

Some people feel anxious about being in places or situations where escape might feel difficult, or where help may not be available if they become anxious or unwell, such as public transport or busy shops. This is called agoraphobia.

Phobias can lead people to avoid things that cause fear, which can increase anxiety over time.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD involves upsetting or intrusive thoughts, images or worries (called obsessions) that keep coming back and cause anxiety or distress.

To reduce this anxiety, people may feel driven to do certain things over and over again (called compulsions). These can be actions, like washing hands or checking doors, or mental acts, like counting or repeating words or phrases in your head.

Compulsions may bring short-term relief, but the thoughts often return, creating a difficult cycle.
People experience OCD in different ways, and it doesn’t always involve visible behaviours.

Do I need a diagnosis?

Not everyone who experiences anxiety will receive a diagnosis.

Some people find it helpful to understand their experiences using a named condition. Having a diagnosis can also make it easier to access certain treatments. Others prefer to focus on how their symptoms affect daily life. Both are valid.

If anxiety is having a big impact on your life, speaking to a GP can help. A GP may explore whether your experiences fit with one of these conditions.

A diagnosis is not about labelling you ؘ– it’s about helping you and your healthcare team find the most helpful support.

Last updated: February 2026