Generalised anxiety disorder
This involves persistent and excessive worry, often about an everyday matter such as family health, finances or employment, that interferes with daily activities and may be accompanied by physical symptoms.

Panic disorder
This features the core symptom of recurrent panic attacks, during which the sufferer experiences an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress in response to an identifiable trigger or on an unexpected basis. The individual is very concerned about the recurrence or significance of the attacks, which in turn leads to coping strategies that interfere with normal functioning.

Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is disproportionate fear of being in a situation that cannot be escaped from (e.g. using public transport) and that support will not be forthcoming – for example being outside the home alone. It usually lasts at least six months and causes problems in functioning due to avoidant behaviours.

Specific phobias
These revolve around an excessive and persistent fear of a certain object, situation or activity that wouldn’t normally be considered harmful. The sufferer usually knows that the fear is disproportionate but feels unable to overcome it and will go to extremes to circumvent it, such as not booking holidays abroad because of a fear of flying, or enduring it with intense dread.

Social anxiety disorder
Also known as social phobia, social anxiety disorder manifests as significant concerns about feeling embarrassed, humiliated or rejected in social interactions – for example meeting new people, public speaking, or eating or drinking in public – which persists for several months. It causes issues with normal functioning because of its association with avoidant behaviour or enduring the situation with high levels of fear.