Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders in Peru and affects people of different ages and social contexts. According to reports from the Ministry of Health (Minsa) More than 3 million Peruvians show symptoms of anxiety at some point in their lives. The Social Security for Health (EsSalud) points out that consultations for anxiety symptoms have increased steadily in recent years, due to factors such as: He Work stresseconomic instability and the consequences of the pandemic. To receive a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is important to recognize the symptoms and understand the different types of anxiety.
Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways, from constant worry to intense bouts of anxiety. Those affected are often not aware of this There is more than one type of anxiety disorder, each with unique characteristics.. Knowing the differences between these types is key to guiding you in seeking professional help and improving your quality of life.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is characterized by excessive and persistent worry about various aspects of daily life, such as work, health, or family. People with this disorder often feel tense, restless, and have difficulty controlling their worries, which interferes with their daily activities. Physical symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, muscle tension and digestive problems.
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia): This type of anxiety manifests itself as a strong fear of social situations or public appearances. Those who suffer from it fear being judged, humiliated or rejected, which can lead them to avoid meetings, exhibitions or other activities that involve interacting with other people. Social isolation is a common consequence.
- Panic disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by the recurring occurrence of intense bouts of anxiety, known as panic attacks. These crises occur suddenly and are accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, difficulty breathing, sweating, shaking and a feeling of loss of control or fear of dying. The anticipation of new attacks can create constant fear and limit daily life.
- Specific phobias: Specific phobias are intense and disproportionate fears of objects, animals or certain situations, such as: E.g. heights, blood, enclosed spaces or flying on an airplane. Contact with the feared stimulus immediately triggers fear and in many cases the situation or object is avoided at all costs.
- Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is the fear of finding yourself in places or situations from which it will be difficult to escape or receive help in the event of an anxiety crisis. People with agoraphobia often avoid public spaces, crowds, public transport or even leave the house, which can severely limit their autonomy.
- Separation anxiety disorder: Although it is more common in childhood, it can also occur in adults. This disorder is characterized by excessive fear of separation from important people such as parents, partners or children. Anxiety manifests itself in the possibility of losing contact or separation from these bonds and can interfere with school, work, or social activities.
- Selective mutism: Selective mutism mainly affects children and is manifested by the inability to speak in certain social situations, although this is usually the case in other contexts. This type of anxiety is usually related to the school environment and can affect academic development and interpersonal relationships.
There are several factors that increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. Among them stand out Genetics, family history of psychological disorders, traumatic experiences in childhood, chronic stress, physical illness and substance use. The family and social environment as well as exposure to violent or unsafe situations also influence the risk. Minsa and EsSalud recommend paying attention to persistent symptoms and seeking professional help if anxiety interferes with daily life.
Anxiety often occurs along with other mental disorders, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. He Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) It is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety. He in turn Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) It occurs after experiencing traumatic events and manifests itself in recurring memories, nightmares and intense fear reactions. The simultaneous presence of these disorders requires a specialized approach and comprehensive treatment.
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