A mix of genetic and environmental factors can raise a person’s risk for developing anxiety disorders. You may be at higher risk if you have or had:
Certain personality traits, such as shyness or behavioral inhibition — feeling uncomfortable with, and avoiding, unfamiliar people, situations, or environments.
Stressful or traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood.
Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions.
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Panic disorder.
Phobias.
Separation anxiety.
Phobias are an intense fear of certain situations or objects. Some of these fears may make sense, such as a fear of snakes. But often, the level of fear doesn’t match the situation. A specific phobia, or a simple phobia, is an intense fear of a particular object or situation. It may cause you to avoid everyday situations. Some specific phobias include fear of:
Animals, such as spiders, dogs, or snakes.
Blood.
Flying.
Heights.
Injections (shots).